Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-10
OSS BLUEGE LIKES
lob AT KEYSTONE
Gooch May Aid Attack in
Alternating at First
With Joe Judge.
BY JOHN B. KELLER.

HICAGO, May l0.-Changed yes
terday after receipt of tele-
graphic advice from Manager
Walter Johnson, the nf1eld
now working probably is the
best the Nationals can muster. With
Ossie Bluege at second and Joe Cronln
at short, the territory about the key
stone sack should be better protected
than formerly and the alienation OF
Charley Gooch and Joe Judge at flrst
base. according to the style of pitching
employed by the opposition, may bolster
the attack materially.
AS to Bluege's ability to perform well
as a second baseman, there is no doubt.
Ossie is good ball player" as the
profession terms it. one who knows MS
game so we'll he is at home in it regard
less of assignment. The slight differ
ence between the throw used by a sec
ond-sacker and that used by a short
fielder or a third baseman, is not ex-
pected to annoy Bluege one whit. At
both third and short Bluege demon
strated he could get the ball away from
any position. And Bluege is assuming
his new Job with great pleasure. For
some time he has wanted a chance to
cross to the other side of the middle
sack. where he might have more leeway
in making plays to his left, plays at
which he is particularly adept
Cr0n1n May Help Attack.
Cronin. used in the shortfield nearly
two weeks now, has displayed consider
able ability as a fielder and revealed
much promise as hitter. 1t is Cronins
strength at bat more than anything
else. in fact. that prompted the revision
of the infield.
With Bluege relieved of the knee hurt
that had him out of action for some
time, there was no keeping him on the
bench. But Cronin, given the chance,
had proved a sturdier clouter than. Jack
Hayes, erstwhile regular second base
man. It is not that Cronin may hit
oftener than Hayes, but that he is more
likely to drive longer ball that gives
him the call over the 'Bama boy.
Then, too, Hayes is not especially
strong, and 1t has been feared he would
not Withstand the strain of continuous
play. Jack is a very capable fielder
when in good physical trim, but this
early in the season he has dropped at
times under strain. On the other hand,
Cronin is a powerfully built youngster
who never seems to tire, no matter how
great the burden may be.
This shifting of Bluege to second
base and the employment of Cronin as
regular ShortStop Is not the result of
q suddenly made plan. While the club
was in training in Florida in March
Manager johnson considered such a
move, but refrained from making it then
because he wanted to test Hayes thor
oughly. At that time Cronin was play
ing such fine base ball that it seemed
a great waste of talent to keep him
out of the regular lineup. And Joe
still is playing fine ball, too.
Other Change Was Expected.
The alienation of Judge and Gooch
at first base was to be expected Since
the start of the season the Nationals
with their batting ortaer top heavy with
left-hand swingerS. have had mostly
portside pitching to contend with. and
it was evident early that some break
in the left-hand order was needed to
help them. Hence the use of the right
Handwriting Gooch against the SOUTH
paw slabmen and of the left-hand-
batting Judge against the orthodox
fingers.
It may seem that Judge is being
made the goat in this revision, in
that he is the one Of the many portside
punchers to be lifted. Far from it,
though. Joe will. have company as
soon as President Clarke Grifith can
acquire a good right-hand swinging
outfe1der for his club. Then, in all
likelihood, Sammy West will find him
self on the bench with Capt. Judge
when the foe has a forkhand twirler in
action.
Johnson's Geographic advice that the
infeld be changed indicates the man.
ager is not too i'll in Washington to
forget his club. Walter informed Acting
Manager Clyde Milan that he follows
the games daily via radio. Johnson also
wired he expected to be well enough to
rejoin the club soon. Milan, of course,
will continue as field director until
johnson returns, but Zeb will make no
major move without an order from the
absent chief.