Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-06
CLUB IN GOOD TRIM
FOR CH|SOX SERIES
Pitchers at Top Form and In
field Bolstered-Ray
Stevens Signed.
BY JOHN h. KELLER.

A bitter battle for the fifth position,
II nothing better. in the American
League standings was TO start this after
noon at Clark Griffith Stadium. The
White Sox. who are here for four
game series, are but one game back
OF the Nationals now heading the sec
ond division of the circuit, which means
that the club getting the edge in the
set will at least head the crowd IN the
lower bracket.
The Nationals were prepared TO make
a brave showing against the Western
invaders. With Bucky Harris back at
second base there was apt to be
tightening of the defense that ought
10 help the clubs cause considerably
Frrstic work af1eld has lost quite
few games for the Nationals recently
and most of the nisplays have been
around the midway point OF the inner
Gordon. Jack Hayes. who substituted
for Harris. while the latter was nursing
an injured leg. did his best OF course.
but Jack was handicapped by severely
urenched ankle that did not allow him
much freedom in action and the oe1enSe
naturally weakened.
Auparently the club has plenty OF
batting power. even though 1t frequent
IL has failed TO reveal its punch at
critical moments There have been too
many Nationals stranded on the runway
4, late series for the good of the or
sanitation However. 1t has been the
generally recognized strong hitters VINO
were unable 10 sock the sphere IN
crises rather than the lower END OF the
batting order These supposedly weak
hitters have put deal OF punch INTO
the attack the past two weeks. Perhaps
this splurge by the under side OF the
batting list will aid the Nationals ma
terialiy in the set with the ChisoX.
West TO Get Action.
During this home stand against the
West. which is scheduled TO run Tor
Is engagements, Manager Harris viii
continue the policy of rushing sam
West into left field in place of Goose
Goslin whenever the Nationals get
seemingly commanding lead or are IN
front by such slight margin that a
strong defense is more necessary than
a sturdy attack. While Goslin's throw
ing arm, which has been of little use
throughout the season. has improved
TO some extent, it still lacks value as
defensive element. West. Of course.
is nst expected 70 hit like the Goose.
but Sasamy certainly can heave that
ball,
This Goslin arm has officials of the
Nationals as wen as the Goose worried.
Neither the Goose nor any OF those
In charge of the club believes the wing
has lost its power altogether. but there
are some who think the player has side
stepped treatments that might have
helped bring the arm around TO good
throwing form The Goose himself al
ways has contended that his arm did
not lack strength, but that throwing
L-n I'D Ia ~
clined to baby it considerably and
has been accused of refusing to submit
to u1inistrations by reputable surgeons.
Whether Goslin is to get away with
this 'fbabying" of his arm is wholly
up to the ofacials of the Washington
ball club. The club Is paying the Goose
a rather generous salary and naturally
eypects the best of service from him.
Ii isn't getting such service now. The
club is quite ready to have capable
surgeons attend 10 the ailing wing.
but thus far Goslin has not seen mt
TO permit such doctoring OF his arm
Tt may not be long before those VINO
are footing the bill demand that the
Goose submit 70 treatment By surgeons
they select or pay the penalty OF not
being in trim to play high-claSs base
ball for the Nationals.
Pitchers in Good Trim.
Although Goslin's arm is aiiing. none
of the salary wings of the Nationals
pitchers appear to be out OF condition
these Gays. Despite the numerous
lickingg the club has been taking re-
Gently, the hurting has been pretty good
and promises TO continue so. AL Of the
veteran noundsmen Of the staff are In
great shape these days and most OF the
younger set are capable OF giving the
club a great game Harris isn't worry
lnT about his pitching now.
The Nationals rested yesterday. but
President CLARK Grifith found time to
get the signature Of Ray Stevens, young
frfielder from the Rhode Island State
College nine. who has been showing his
wares to Manager Harris for week, on
q contract Stevens who plays any
where from second 70 third base in the
inner Gordon, is a likely looking per-
former and probably viii stick with the
club for a time The Nationals are
somewhat shy of reserve infield ma
terial nowadays and there is no dispo-
sition TO farm such.
No contract has been offered Ray
Drahgetti. outheIder and port side
pitcher who also halls from Rhode
Island State College. He has impressed
the National management more as
gardener than a hurler, but does not
seem 10 be ytpe enough for ma ior league