The Washington times., 1926-03-02

TAMPA, Fla, March 2. Jim
LYLE, Curly Ogden and Lefty
Thomas will in all likelihood be
the Washington pitchers sent
against the Boston Braves in the
opening exhibition game OF the
season ct st. Petersburg next
Saturday. All three are in condi-
ton to travel the necessary three
innings ct top speed.
LYLE. thought last year to be an
overland pitcher, is using side
arm delivery, hooking it UP with
eizzling speed and a fair curve. his
control. Of course, remains TO De
seen. He viii get that test against
the Braves.
= vicious sssinker.a He calls 1t his
ahard ball." and that's what It Is
- opposing batters. They don't do
much with 1t.
Thon1as Is a lefthander with a
weeping curve and plenty Of speed.
ne III taking intensive lessons from
Nick Altrock and Manager Harris
believes the youngster viii surely
blossom into a big league star, If
not this year, surely in 1927.
Al fip Is offered on what may be
expected when Muddy Ruel reports
bv the signing of Goose Goslin after
two hours Of talk in President GIlI-
fith's room Immediately after dln-
ner last night. The slugging out
fielder went into the conference
wfth 4 serious look, but he came
ont with q broad grin. President
Griffith must have gone down fight
lnr hut he went down, that's the
point.
Muddy RueI remains out Of the
RoId. but he Is looked Tor Dy
Friday. coming here In company
With Roger Peclkinpaugn. Ruel
nrefers 60 talk business rather
than 10 write letters about e.
being 3 lawyer and accustomed
20 arguments.
president Griffith knows that
Ruel Is a most valuable cog In
his baseball machine. that MS
nitchers won't be so effective I'M
lees pitching to the little fellow
and that Bucky Harris needs Ruel
behind the plate, IL the champions
are to make a successful fight for
their third successive pennant.
Therefore. say the wise ones here,
Ruel viii 20 into conference and
reach an agreement inside OF a
couple hours at the most.
Al sample OF the fight for the
vacant outfield berth was shown
IN the batting and fielding drill
on Plant Field when the entire
gang was on hand for the first
time. Sam Rice may play center
field whenever Johnny Tobin Is IN
right. He viii be in right field,
though, providing one CT the others
surpasses Tobin In class.
Earl McNeeIy, Maurice Arch
deacon, Tex Jeanes and Cowboy
Jones are all set to battle for a
place IN the sun. McNeely is
heavier by ten pounds than he was
q year ago and he believes this will
aid his hitting He and Archdeacon
are the speedsters OF the ambitious
quartet, but Jeanes is no slowpoke.
Manager Harris refuses to hazard
any guesses as to what gardeners
win be retained. THE jobs go to
the men making good" 10 all he
VIII say.
Speaking Of speed the Washing
ton squad seems well fitted with
fast lads. Rice, ArchdeacOn,
Bluege, Myer, McNeely and Stuffy
Stewart look about as speedy as
the speediest. Indeed, ArchdeacOn
has no equal In going down to
first base among all the big
leaguers I'm the game.
Because of Saturdays game Man
ager Harris has ordered regular
batting and fielding drills all this
week. With the exceptions of Bush
and Coveleskie all the pitchers will
go to the hill though some won't
be permitted to remain there long.
Frank MCGEE, the young first
nacker, has reported in good condi-
ton and may give Joe Judge some