Evening star., 1924-05-10


Undoubtedly the restoration of
Memo to his old job should strengthen
the defense of the Nationals, for there
are few fielders more able to go and
get 'em than this pudgy little athlete
He can cover a deal of territory and
when on the field. a characteristic
certainly not displayed by some of
the other men who have been used in
the outer works.
Leaves Attack Unstrcngthened.
But there seems little likelihood
ed by the return of Ieibold to the
lineup. The veteran never has been
a startling hitter. Last year he sur
prised every one by slamming the ball
at .294 rate for the second best
batting mark in his lengthy big
league career, but this year he has
not indicated that he has retained
that punch. Leibold has found it
difficult to round into good condition
physically superfuous poundage re-
season, and recently he has been
troubled with digestive disorders.
However, Manager Harris must turn
to Leibold as last resort A lack
of reserve material threatens to
handicap the new manager as it did
DOME Bush, who piloted the club last
season, especially where his outfield
is concerned. OF course, every ef-
fort will be made to remedy the situ-
alton, but getting likely prospects at
this time of the season is difficult
matter. Negotiations with another
American League club for a trade
that would bring two outfielders here
were made last week, but apparently
the deal has gone by the board. al
though Harris still is hopeful of ac-
complishing it.
Bluege Makes Fine Showing.
One of the Nationals scant lot of
reserve players certainly appeared to
advantage when opportunity came his
stepped into Roger Peckinpaugh's
shoes after the latter was spike
wounded in Boston, put up remark
able game at shortstop and revealed
an unexpected punch at bat. Bluege
Is much more at home around the
short field than at the hot corner,
where he was employed much of the
time last year, and appears to have
forgotten all about that trick knee
that put him out of action while the
club was in training in Florida
he made several spectacular plays
In his three games in the Red Sox
series. coming through with a par
ticularly brilliant one in connection
with double play. Bluege really
outclassed Dudley Lee. the new Red
Sox shortstop. who performed re-
mark bly, We'll against the Nationals
Lees play was fiaShy, but he did not
handle himself with the ease and
grace that characterized Blueges
work. In eleven times at bat Bluege
failed to meet the ball firmly only on
three occasions, and in one of those
he was called upon to sacrifice He
got four hits, one of them a double,
held to that distance only through
fast outfielding.
Peck Is Due to Return.
Bluege, though, may be retired from
the game today, as Peck's wounded
knee is fairly well healed and the
veteran was to be sent into the line
up when anything like physically fit.
Peck was in a severe fielding slump
when the accident that forced his
retirement occurred, and the lay-off
may have been beneficial. Frequently
rev days of rest enable a slumping
player to recover his poise
The Nationals were expected to use
oyster Joe Martina, elderly recruit
pitcher, today in the opening of a Sc
T1es of four games with the Tigers
tomorrow afternoon Fred Marberry
may get the mound assignment. Har-
rls has about decided to use these
t-yo hurlers and Walter Johnson and
George Mogridge as his main mound
corps, with Paul Zahniser and Byron
Speece serving as principal reserves.