The Washington times., 1929-04-08
Y THREE
REGULARS
HIT RIGHT
By Time. staff Correspondent

BY Times staff Correspondent
BIRMINGHAM, Ala, April
e.-Every organization, no
matter what it's Importance,
has it's merits and demerits.
The 1929 Washington club
is no exception.
Conceded a place in the money by
a majority of experts, the Griffmen
unauestionably are facing a brighter
outlook than was the case a year
ago. Condition, speed and punch are
added assets in their favor, particu-
larIy the former.
Whereas the 1928 combination
started it's season badly crippled,
Manager Walter Johnson's enterpris-
ing squad today is ready to take the
field in the finest of fettle.
But-and here's a point worthy of
consideration-how about the other
seven? After all, there are eight
entries in the running, four of whom
are looking to the future equally as
eagerly as is the Washington club.
Considering the apparent cali.
her of these teams competing in
the approaching American
League marathon, the best the
Washington club can expect Is
an outside show for the pennant,
with third place its logical rank.
ing. ,..
Certainly the Griffmen are not to
be counted out of the championship
p ocession at this time when the
K lbs are preparing to toe the start
z mark. On the other hand, they
have proved themselves, If exhibi-
tion statistics mean anything, COM
bination to be feared.
But, in their enthusiasm, is it
not possible that the Johnsonians
are overlooking a powerful field
while pointing for the pinnacle?
There is no question but what
the pennant bee is buzzing in the
bonnets of the Capital crew-vet'
erans and rockies alike. Possibly
with reason.
Increased speed on the paths may
mean a great deal. The ability to
steal a base or stretch a hit dur
ing a psychological moment fre-
quently means the difference be-
tween winning and losing ball
game.
Punch and power, strictly inter-
preted, are one. Without them an
otherwise formidable club is pow
may have gained while a team
lrn 4.
lop frequently can outdistance it's
better rounded opponent.
Holding these advantages the
next question that arises is
tIis-what does the Washington
club lack, If anything, to realize
its pennant ambition?
Two shortcomings Immediately
present themselves, and may be
summed up briefly in this manner:
/. A scarcity of pitching ma.
terial.
2. Too many left handed hitters.,
The mound problem. though gen.
orally discounted by the Griffmen
themselves, is important in view Of
the fact that only nine Fingers are
being carried at the present time.
Paul Mccullough, the tenth, has
been recuperating from long siege
of influenza and tonsilitis and not
yet having effected recovery likely
will be of little or no use during
the current season.
OF the nine catalogued on the
roster Sam Jones, Bump Hadley,
Garland Braxton an1 Fred Marberry
are those considered sure things to
deliver in a starting capacity.
That two more dependable singers
must be uncovered is point con-
ceded by even the most optimistic.
Bob Burke, Lloyd Brown, Ad Liska,
Paul Hopkins and Archie Campbell
are those from whom choice must
be made.
Unless an unexpected deal
transpires in the meantime IL Is
probable that Manager Johnson
will bank on BrOw.t and Burke
to come through, while LiSka,
too, is being closely watched.
A tendency toward wildness
severely handicapped Brown during
1928, and it will be necessary for
him to conquer this difficulty in
order to make good. while Burke,
still considerably underweight. is a
question mark.
Idska, with his underhand de-
livery and frank confidence, in
many quarters is considered the
dark horse" while Campbell and
Hopkins, despite flashes of form,
have had little chance to show
against big league opposition.
Campbell impressed best as a
relief man, while Hopkins, worked
more regularly, might surprise. In
any event the former Colgate boy
has shown advantageously in every
appearance to date.
Switching to the offensive end a
check-up reveals that five south
paw swingers, excluding the pitcher,
may be expected to show in the
daily lineup.
The five OutfieIders, Barnes,
West, GOslin, Rice and Harris,
all swing from an unOrthOdOx
posture, while Infielders MYer