Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-07-04

IL is quite likely hayes WOulQ
strengthen the Nationals defense.
Although not so fast on his feet,
Jack seems able to play on either
side of the middle sack in finished
manner. He has developed the
knack of position play to such an
extent that he more than offsets
his lack of fieetneSS by cannily
placing himself af1eld better to
cope with the habitual drives Of
the various batterS.
In one particular-in fielding around
the second cushion-HayeS Is especially
clever. He is regarded today as one OF
the best middle men in a double play
in the American League. He takes the
throw well from the player starting the
fielding feat, keeps his poise well In
pivoting and gets the ball away In
great style, despite the handicap of the
runner bearing down on him.
While he was playing second base
after Ossie Bluege injured trick knee
Hayes steamed along in impressive
form for nearly q month. He flelded
brilliantly and hit well. In fact, dur
ing his several weeks stay he was quite
an important factor in the Nationals
attack. Unfortunately, though, Hayes
is none too Stalwart, and he wears under
steady campaigning. This lack Of STAN
ina forced him to the bench not long
ago. but few days rest works wonders
with him, and he Is At once more. He
is apt to be in there again soon.
Cronin Was FIashy.
Cronin when first sent to the short
field this season was one of the flashiest
of players. He darted to his right OF
left for spectacular stops, roamed fan
into left field to bag HOSTS, and threw
well. He made errors, true; but mainly
because he went after everything that
came his way or anywhere near him
His total of chances accepted was high
About two weeks ago, however, Joe'S
work began to decline. and lately he
has been about the weakest limb in the
Nationals defensive chain.
johnson sent Goslin to the bench
hoping layoff of a few days duration
would clear the batting eye. so dim this
season, of the slugger who last year led
the American League. GoSlin started
poorly at bat this campaign, but during
the Nationals home stay last month he
seemed to be swinging back into the
stride that made. him so feared by
pitchers in other campaigns.
He slumped again, however, as soon
as the Nationals left their home lot
Slumped so much that he became use
less in attack. To make matters worse
his failure at bat affected Goslin'S work
af1eld. In recent engagements the
Goose failed to cover much territory
and during the Boston series made q
most costly error In attempting to
handle an easy loft.
Thinks Rest Will Help.
All of this SO depressed Goslin that
his presence in the lineup meant little
or nothing to his club. But the Goose
has not given up by any means. Like
his manager, Goslin has the idea that
a brief rest will benefit him, and ex-
poets to be in there swinging and field
ing in top form before long.
Now that Ira F1agStead is gone, Sam
West will play center field regularly
whether the opposition employs right
handed or left-handed pitching. At
least Sam will stick In the game until
Goslin returns to action. Then john
son may give Barnes a trial at the
position.
Flagstead, who was given notice Of
his unconditional release yesterday
morning, and Stuffy Stewart, optioned
to Birmingham, left the club yesterday
afternoon for Washington. Before leav-
ing Flagstead said he had not made any
bid for another berth. It is understood
Stewards services were especially sought
by Birmingham, which recently has had
its lead In the Southern Association race
greatly reduced.