The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1926-02-20
I He R
TEARING
TROUBLE

TAMPA, Fla, Feb. 20.-Only
two more days remain before
Dutch Ruether viii find himself
IN real difficulties as q result Of
his unwillingness to sign his 1926
contract. He has been ordered
20 report for duty here on Mon
day. Thus far nothing has been
heard from him, though rurnofs
saw he will drive up from Sara
sofa tomorrow afternoon for a
conference with President Clark
G. Griffith. The Washington mag
nate admits this is all news TO
him, but adds that he viii be per-
fectly willing to talk business
with the veteran southpaw when
ever the latter appears to be IN
the mood.
II can't be bothered with play
ers as old as Ruether who act as
childishly as he has been acting,
said President Griffith today, dis
missing the subject from his mind.
Ruether has been quoted as say
ing that, unless the Washington
club accepts his salary demands,
be viii remain at Sarasota selling
real estate in Pennant PARK.
Furthermore, he is quoted as say
ing that he has done all the beg
ging he is going to about 1t and
that the next move must come
from the Washington club.
President Griffith declines to be
quoted on this subject. He merely
looks off about five miles into no
where and drags On his cigar.
Ruether's record in the Ma
kional League is well known. Sell
dom did he sign q contract with
out considerable fuss. Last spring
he was unsigned when he re-
ported here, following D course
Of sprouts at Hot Springs. How
ever, once clOseted with President
Griffith, he quickly came to
terms and that may happen all
over again tomorrow.
Walter johnson, with his entire
family, is expected to arrive here
Tomorrow from Daytona Beach, II
they don't land today. The vet
cram hurler win soon be seen in
uniform, getting ready for his 18TH
campaign in the big league.
Alex Ferguson, who pitched fife
ball for the Griffmen late last sea-
son after being traded by the
Yankees. is due to arrive here to-
morrow afternoon. He will be
day.
Il am banking on using Fergu-
son as a regular from the opening
Of the season" said Manager Har-
ris today. As / recall him, he al
ways pitched brilliantly against us
ii the spring and so I'm going to
use him against the other fellows
this spring. Another thing about
him, Fergy needs lots of work to
round into his best form. Well.
he'll get it. ! think he win have
his best year. He's an earnest fea.
low, you know. and that type is,
usually a winner"
The fist weeks work ends today.
II finds Trainer Martin generally
satisfied with the outlook, witr
Manager Harris inclined to be en-
thusiastic.
Harris is exulting for two
reasons. First, Curly Ogden and
Fred Marberry report their pitch
ing wings strong once more.
Second. in Willard MorreII and
Lefty Thomas he seems to have
picked up two most promising
young pitchers. big fellows with
the weight and strength to shine
In the big show.
ogden's arm was SO weak last
year that he was shifted to Chat
fanooga where, being used regu-
Iariy In a warm climate, he re-
D., -.
Gr1ffs were winning their pennant
and he got few chances of proving
his comeback. He is out to do that
this spring.
So hard was Marberry worked,
sometimes pitching every day for a.
week, that his elbow developed a
sliding cog somewhere and he was
useless Tor the world series. Some
folks believe that, with Marberry
in condition, the Pirates would
never have won that last game in
the series.
Marberry has followed Trainer
Martins advice, keeping his arm
loosened up all winter, but never
putting any strain on the elbow.
As a result the big fellow is as
strong as ever and Manager Harris
s. delighted with his showing here
Morrell, who pitched for New
Haven in the Eastern Association
In 1925, is a former varsity star at
Tufts College, Medford, Mass. He
Is an intelligent young giant who
listens TO all advice given him and
he seems certain of a thorough
trial.
Largely because of Dutch
Ruetller's minor rebellion, IeaV-
ing the champions without one
experienced sOuthpaw, Lefty
Thomas Is attracting exceptional
attention. He is taking to I'm.
etruction as q duck takes to water
and promises to make a big fight
for regular berth.
THAT fellow Thomas looks like
d real find" says Manager Harris.
Don't often see green ones come
up with so much stuff, especially
lefthanders. and the control he ha ;
with 1t all. Martin win have to
watch him to keep him from get