Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-03-12

Both PRESIDENT clark S1rlIuLn
and Manager Walter johnson Of
~ the Nationals were keenly inter-
ested today in two big battles in
volving their club. One was that with
the Boston outfit of the National League
they were decide here this afternoon.
The other was between Samuel Pond
Jones and the Washington Club regard
ing contract for his services this year
One phase of the issue between Jones
and the club is settled however. Pres
ident Griffith has announced in no un-
certain manner that Jones will take
what has been offered or suffer suspen-
sion. The Nationals prexy declares he
has made his final bid for Sad Sans
services and the pitcher can take it or
leave it.
According to Griffith, Jones has been
offered an increase of 81 900 above what
the pitcher received last season. his first
with the Nationals. end a. substantial
bonus in addition should the Washing
ton club not finish in the red financially
this year.
Jones. in quiet but firm manner has
declared his demands, which exceed
those offered, must be met or he will be
through with the Washington club. But
Sad Sam is a reasonable fellow generally
and probably after day or two of calm
reflection he will sign contract and it
will be contract at Grifith's terms,
too.
Jones Tolls ION His Own"
In the meantime Sad Sam, last of the
pitchers excepting Paul Mccullough to
report at camp, will work out with the
club in the daily training sessions But
should Jones fail to come to terms with
the Nationals, he will have to foot his
own bill for the stay here before leaving
the Washington Clubs training base.
There are two sides always to this
argument over contract between the.
club and the player. In this instance,
the club feels that it has gone far
enough in offering Jones the $1,000
advance over last year and an addi-
tional sum should it make money this
season. Last year the Nationals fin
isfed on the wrong side of the ledger
financially and raises have been few
this time. However, Jones has been
the only really serious kick made by
player. But Jones naturally feels that
he is entitled to more substantial
promotion and one can't blame him for
trying to get it. Certainly Griffith,
who is more interested in the matter
than any one else, doesn't blame Jones
for trying to raise the ante. Jones, of
course, knows that Manager johnson
is depending upon him to score num-
Der of victories for the Nationals this
year and that doesn't tend to lessen the
players opinion as to his value to the
club. To Sam it seems an opportune
time to get the coin and he can't be
reproached for attempting it now, espe-
o & q a ON
sens of big league pitching in his sys-
tenn. Sad Sam is no Spring chicken
as base ball players go. He has been
stepping to the hill in the American
League for Is years and is growing no
younger fast as Nick Altrock puts 1t.
Yet his fine record for last year indi-
the Nationals. In the matter of yield
ing earned runs, Jones was the fifth
most effective pitcher in his circuit in
1928, allowing but an average of 284
runs per nine innings, and he won IL
games, while losing for his club. A
good record for youngster, let alone
o pitcher now in his thirty-seventh year.
While johnson has two or three vet
Grams who should help his club consid-
erably this season, his staff will be hit
sorely should Jones not become MEM
Der of it. But very likely Walter hasn't
much to worry about so far as that is
concerned. Jones probably win accept
Grifith's terms and like 'em too, before
long. and he'll be working his neck of
with the rest of the Nationals training
for the big job not so far ahead.
Mccullough Has Relapse.
With Jones at work at Tampa. all
the Nationals excepting Mccullough,
Cliff Bolton and Harley Boss are con-
ditioning themselves.
Mccullough, the pitcher bought from
Minneapolis, had been expected to re-
port today, but a wire from his New
Castle, Pa, home announced he had
suffered from a relapse after he had
supposedly recovered from an illness
that prevented him showing up at
Tampa February Is. Bolton still Is on
the sick list at his home in High Point,
N. c., while Boss, because OF illness sent
back to his home at JoneSboro, La, Is
not expected to rejoin the Nationals this
season.
Today's game here, the Nationals
first test of the season against big
league club. was expected to give Man.
ager johnson better line on some
more of his pitching talent. Tomorrow
will be given over by the Nationals to
a strenuous drill on their home lot at
Tampa, but exhibition games will be
resumed Thursday.
Goose Goslin and Joe Judge, veterans
both, went through their first drills OF
the season yesterday. Judge arrived
from Hot Springs, Ark, apparently IN
splendid trim. Goslin. too, looks well,
but the big fellow didn't attempt to
employ the throwing arm that was so
useless the greater part of last sea-
son. The Goose, however. says the wing
is all right and that within few days
he will be cutting EN- loose"