Evening star., 1924-03-16

The veteran rigkt-hander is to get
a four-inning workout. according to
Manager Harris, and Walter ought to
go through 1t in splendid form for
he appears to be well-enough condi-
toned to do the stunt right now.
Johnson reported at the Tampa camp
last season in superb physical condi-
tion, but some injudicious training
here SO weakened his legs that he
was not at his best the greater part
OF the 1923 campaign. AT that, john
son registered seventeen victories
an average of only about three and
one-half earned runs game last sea-
SON. Now his props apparently are
o. x, thanks to some good, siren
Springs before reporting here. And
Walters recent workouts at Plant
field indicate that his hurting arm
still is mighty. He has been tipping
the ball through at a great rate and
with excellent control, too.
Not once in his hard drills has he
had any. trouble with his pitching
stride. that part of his work that
declares he does not feel any weak
ness in the left knee that broke
down SO often in the past campaign:
Johnson, OF course has not INDUCED
in a practice as lengthy as that next
Saturday probably will be, but neither
he nor trainer Mike Martin fears any
come back" of the old ailment in the
four innings against the Cards.
Mogridge Due for Duty Soon.
Another veteran due to get a thor
ough trial is George Mogridge, south
paw, who set the pace for all of the
other National hurlers in 1923. George.
is we'll advanced in his training and
probably will be used in one Of the
first two engagements next week. He
is weighing in the 1S0s, a goou
poundage for him and seems as hard
as nails. Not once has he expert
enced any pain in his left wing this
year.
Jez Zachary, another veteran south
paw. also will have an opportunity
to demonstrate whether he still is
to be considered big league timber.
Zach did not get along so well last
year and realizes that he must show
something worth while to continue
| under the main tent and show that
something soon, too. He has been
progres ing slowly. but seems to have
much confidence in his ability to stick.
Zachary will be given every chance
to make the grade, but it is strictly
up to him
Paul Zahniser. right-hander, who
made such a favorable impression
after he came to the Nationals from
Memphis last summer. is expected to
be kept on the mound corps, but
is not likely to do anything in COM
Ietition for few days. In practice
yesterday he stepped on a rolling
ball and turned his right ankle. The
mishap didn't trouble him until this
morning when he limped to the field
with a badly swollen foot. First aid
was quickly applied by Trainer Martin
and the pitcher ordered to rest.
Zahnny, though, may be able to get
back into harness the latter part
of next week.
Roe Leading Rookie SOuthpaws.
There has been quite race among
the trio of southpaw recruit pitchers
for a permanent berth with the Ma
tionals. but right now Shad Roe
seems to- have the edge over Godfrey
Brogan and Leo Moon. In the past
week the Ieft-hander. obtained from
Chattanooga last season, has stepped
, work at Clearwater yesterday was
nothing above the ordinary he has
in the daily drills impressed Manager
Harris most favorably.
Peewee Brogan gets quite a bit on
the ball and has excellent control,
too. but Nit is feared an operation he
underwent last year has so reduced
his stamina that he cannot stand the
gaf. Moon is an uncertain quantity
as yet, although Coaches Nick AL
trock and Jack Chesbro are giving
him deal of attention.
The other pitchers are coming along
| in fine shape, especially Allen Russell,
the 1928 war horse, and Joe Martina,
minor league veteran drawn from
New Orleans of the Southern Asso-
citation. Russell more than likely
will fill the same role he did last
year. that of relief hurler. while
Martina may share that burden with
the Baltimorean. Martina is an eX-
perienced moundsman and possesses
that one important essential of the
pitching art-control. Seemingly he
is able to get the ball where he wants
it, and that is deal more than many
of the National moundSmen could do
last season.
Fred Marberry is breezing the ball
through in good form, but he is troubled
raised to three the squad of fat boys
now getting extra work under the di-
rection of Miguel Martin.
Two Others Also Overweight.
The others are Memo Leiboid, veteran
outfieldeT, and Doc Prothro, former
Southern Association player, who is
being groomed for the third-base job
While the last two mentioned are Strug-
Cling overtime to reduce. their treat
, ment is not as severe as the one pre-
scribed for Marberry. In addition to
road work and heightened fielding drills
Fred has to miss the midday meal, and
that's real punishment for the ball
player at the training camp.
With the exception of Lance Rich
bourg, outfieldeT, and Chick Gagnon, in
fielder, the other Nationals not attached
to the mound corps are pretty fit Rich
hourg'S weak foot seems to be respond
ing to treatment, though, and so is Gag
mons crooked arm, but it is likely TO
be some time before Chick is able to