The Washington times., 1929-07-13
RIGHT HAND
hitter IS
SOUGHT
By Bob Thsysr

0y 0VO 4ASJS1
CLEVELAND, Ohio, July
I3.-Until q capable right
hand hitting outfielder is ac-
quired to alternate with Sam
West in center field the at
tack of the Washington Griff-
men must suffer. This is a
point conceded by the most
conservative.
West. who closed the 1923 Ameri-
can League season with q burst OF
offensive brilIiance, has disappointed
against all brands of pitching this
season. Opposed to the left.hand-
ers. however. he has seemed particu.
larry helpless and therefore has pro-
vided a problem which must be set
tied at the earliest possible moment.
One experiment failed earlier in
the year when the veteran Ira Flag
stead was obtained from the Boston
Fed Sox on waivers and Installed in
the mid-pasture when southpaws
were working. 1t didn't take long
TO prove that Flagstead was all
washed up and he consequently was
awarded his release.
Returning to the old order Of
things. the center field situation,
n anything, became more exas-
perating than ever. Finally,
Manager Walter Johnson de-
eided 70 substitute Red Barnes
for West i'm the middle garden
and the change was effected ac-
eOrdingIy.
Having impressed with his hitting
year ago and generally considered
capable outfielder Barnes pro-
ceeded to complicate matters still
more by falling down deplorably on
the defense. Though connecting Inn
pressively enough his ragged field
ing resulted in his immediate re-
moval--West returning to that posi-
ton.
Convinced that the redhead can
not comply with the defensive re-
quirements Of center fielder, man.
ager Johnson now has decided 20
keen Sam in the lineup regardless
Of the pitching until, and II, worm
while right-hand hitting prospect ~
located.
with West ana Barnes both un-
able to satisfactorily plug the mid
nasture it is imperative that some
outside assistance be drafted In OF.
der to balance the now topsheaFy
hating order of the Griffmen.
Realizing the necessity OF landing
the desired product as soon as pos
sihle Manager Walter johnson mas
sent out an SOS to Scout Joe Engel
who now is securing the tall and
uncut timber in quest of his man.
The FIagstead deal has con-
WINGED theN Washington Club
that il is not q wise policy to
gamble with veterans past their
prime.
Therefore, in line with the build
ing up policy for 1880, survey OF
the bushes is being made with the
hope OF spotting lad with stout
right hand sock.
In the event the search is a sue
! cessful one Manager Johnson will
| be prepared to dicker with the
| proper authorities either on cash
/ or player basis. With ample funds
| at his disposal and also several
young players who probably would
be welcomed warmly in minor
| league company, he is awaiting
developments.
1t has been apparent for some
time that the absence of a depend
able right-hand hitter has per-
ceptibly crippled the batting punch
of the Griffs. No more eloquent
proof could be offered than the
record of Walter Johnson's club
since undertaking its present West
ern swing.
In seven starts to date the Griff-
men have been outpointed four
times. Three of these defeats were
blastered on by unorthodox men. And
not one OF the trio can be classified
as a top-notcher.
Earl WhitehilI. and Emil Yde,
ln.and.outers at the best, meas.
ured them out i'm Detroit.
And while doing so the erratic
Whitehiill sank them for the third
time this year. Joe Shaute, q good
natured sidewinders who is having
q rocky season. followed suit for
Cleveland yesterday.
When comparatively mediocre
portsiders such as these can score
consistently over any club It is
obvious that somehow and some
where a remedy should be sought
and found.
Just why the Griffmen are fail.
ing before ieft-handed pitching is
by no means q crossword puzzle.
When It Is considered that only
three men appearing in the daily
lineup bat from right hand
posture, and that none OF the three
are hitting 800, q second guess is
| not needed.
/ Therefore It can be seen that the
desired outfielder, if he IA dis.
covered, could work wonders with
batting order now top.heavy with
left hand Ewingers. And, until
some player of this type Is landed
the Whitehills, Ydes ana Shautes
probably will continue clicking in
1 THAR anaFpofk,SrnSsS