The Washington times., 1929-06-11
IMPRESSES
WITH HIS
DEFENSE
By Bob Thaysr

Regardless Of the brand OF
pitching employed by the OPP
position the w ashington Griff-
men will hereafter use Sam
West in center field when de-
fensive strength is needed.
Though Ira Flagstead is supposed
60 alternate with West while OPP
posed to Ieft.handed shooting, he will
be removed and the Texas boy IN
serted Immediately after the Griffs
have rolled UP worthwhile mar.
Gin.
VESTS remarkable Judgment Of
fIy balls and his general ground Gov
eFagei have prompted this move.
Possessing a great arm In addition
to the qualities mentioned, Manager
Walter Johnson considers 1t worth
while to sacrifice offensive power
for defensive protection in such in
stances.
As matter of fact, West will
probably remain active against
eouthpaw pitching temporarily at
least, though Red Barnes was ex-
pected to take over the job tmme-
diately.
Batting only 1855 at present, Sans
ability to connect in the ptnches
along with his prowess as fielder
will probably result in his being fav.
ored over the red-head, an admitted
" all-around handy man.
'tYou've got to think twice be-
fore benching West" Manager
johnson cOnfesses, Even when
he isn't hitting he bears watch
ing!
"a bird like that saves many a
tight game and there's always the
chance that he might get started
with the stick. And when Sam
does. start busting 'em he's easily
one Of the best outfielders in the
gamev'
Hitting spasmodicaIly West IS
prone to suffer protracted slumps
during which time his clubs offense
suffers. It is q singular tribute
to his ability that his value as q
defensive man overshadows his
erratic work with the willow.
Realizing that he cannot allow
too much ,of4ea margin, however,
Sir Walter ii ready to switch to
Barnes instantaneoasly should his
sensational gardener continue his
mediocre swinging.
Realizing that Barnes Is q rugged
and dependable a1nan he nevertheless
Is hoping that Sam will come
through in such fashion that ne
will be justified in keeping him IN
the .midpasture where he measures
up with baseballS best defensiveiy.
Whatever the turn OF affairs,
through, it is an odds on wager thaI
West will be pressed into service
when his club has an edge. More
than one triumph has been recordeo
as a result Of his outfield rambies
since his advent with the Griffmen
two years ago!
The system whereby Catchers
HerOld Rule and Benny Tate
were to be alternated aga1nss
various brands OF pitching
seems to have been dropped
altogether.
with the season well in swing
II is. obvious that Ruel has re-
gained his old job Of first string
receiver. Originally scheduled to
work behind the bat while hitting
left hand pitching, Ruel Is now
handling the majority of Washing
ton pitchers regardless OF the huri-
ing he faces.
Showing his usual cleverness as
q backstop, the lawyer.ban player
Is also picking up with the bat'
having slammed out several OF his
left field specialties in recent bat
ting appearances.
Muddy will have one less pitcher
10 handle hereafter, though. as
result of the move whereby Pitcher
Paul Hopkins was yesterday shifted
TO the st. Louis Browns on waivers.
The former Colgate product i'm.
pressed Manager Howley in a re-
cent relief showing against, the
Browns. Having gained both Pitch
erS Alvin Crowder and Dick. Coff-
man from the Griffmen previously,
Dapuer Dan can hardly be blamed
for swapping UP Hopkins.
The slender right hander was
acdufred by the Griffs from New
Haven, of the Eastern League, two
years ago. Reporting at Tampa
for spring training in 1923 he WIS
later EARNED out on option with
the Montreal Royals, Of the Inter-
national L ague.
Finishing the season there he has
since been actively connected with
the Griffmen. Allowing is hits in
as many innings this season he has
been. officially charged with one
loss while failing to gain De-