Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-21
YOUNGER TW|RLERS
TO BATTLE IT OUT
Have Honor Between Them,
as Braxton Will Not Be in
Trim at Early Date.
BY JOHN b. KELLER.

- 2l-That Bob Burke or
Lloyd Brown is to be the
- southpaW mound mainStay
of the Nationals this year seems
assured. With Garland BraXton.
veteran left-hand pitcher, below
par in health and unlikely to get
into proper physical trim at an
early date for the big base ball
business ahead in the American
League campaign, Manager Wal
ter Johnson already is banking
upon his two younger forkhand
fingers to battle for the honor of
becoming the ace of the left
handed side of the pitching staff.
Right now both Burke and Brown
are in fine fettle and there is little to
choose between them as to Slabbing
ability. Burke probably has the better
curve ball of the two, but Brown is
showing deal of speed and excellent
control. Control, by the way, is some
thing Brown lacked in former seasons
with the Nationals.
These Young hurlers are getting the
benefit of high class coaching at pres
ent, individual coaching. Muddy Ruel
has taken particular charge OF Burke
and the willy catcher has made great
progress with his protege. Brown Is IN
the hands of Pat Charity, on the
Washington roster as player, but serv-
ing mainly as coach. These receiv-
ers assert their charges viii more than
make good this season.
1t certainly would aid the Nationals
greatly should this pair of Southpaws
at last produce consistently. For sew
eral seasons now Burke and Brown have
threatened to become good enough TO
shoulder a big part of the clubs pitch
ing burden, but always they have been
a trifle shy of being really clever on
the hill. Each has at times flashed a
brilliant game, but each also has at
times virtually had his ears knocked
of before getting set on the slab.
Possess the Requisites.
One gathers from Ruel and Char
rity now, however, that this inconsis-
tency in Burke and Brown is likely to
be over. According to Muddy, Burke
has everything necessary 70 the max
ing of a banning left handler. Inc
catcher says Bob has SUFFICIENT speed 10
ref them past the batters, a dazzling,
sharp-breaking curve and, above al,
knowledge of the technique OF pitching.
In other words, Bob knows wneTe 70
throw the ball, which is something
MANY
in the majors for several years do not
seem to know. Backed by his expert
ence of several seasons with the wash
ington club Bob should be quite enec-
tive this year, AYERS Ruel.
For some time those in charge OF the
DEVELOPMENT of players on the WASH
ington club have been trying 10 MAKE
a winning pitcher OF Brown. But arm
trouble or WildneSS heretofore has Kept
his club. It will be different this year,
though. Charity believes. Lloyd mas
the essentials of fine hurler, says Fat,
and he should surprise opposing ciupS
this season, He has a great last pan
that should be especially puzztng 10
ieft-hand batters, according to his tutor,
and enough of curve 70 keep Do1h
right and left handlers guessing.
This does not mean that Braxton Is
heino counted out of the picture as
pitcher this year. But it is TACT
hat Garland is far from being even
ready to train for the impending cam
paicn. and though no one In charge OF
the conditioning of the players VIII az
init it, the lanky left-hander is not app
to be in physical form Tor heaVy ou GUY
until long after the championship race
is under way.
Braxton Has His Troubles.
tt was thought that Braxton would
nick I'D In strength and stamina once
his tonsils which had bothered MN Ior
several years were removed. braxto 3.l
Greensboro, N. c., during the past
winter, but Immediately after having
his tonsils .yanked he developed dental
trouble, and this has hampereo nlIn
since. Several teeth were pulled. puI
some more are to come OUT, ana SIa -
ton himself does not think ne VIZ De
able to round into playing form quickly.
TOMS inability to ready himself for the
camnaien would seriously handicap the
Nationals. For some seasons since ne
came to the club from the YANKEES
Garland has been regarded Lne pre-
nnier left-hander of the staH. MOI o1ly
has he been effective as startlng
hurler. but also he has been parLlcu-
Iarly valuable in relief roles. Inree
wears ago he was considered as great
q rescue hurler as Fred Marberry, who
holds the modern record OF rushing 10
the aid of lettering mound mates.
with Burke and Brown progressing
So fayorably IN training, however, IL Is
doubtful If the Nationals will be hurt IN
tine least should Braxton fail TO pun
himself together. The tutors OF the
Young left-handers are confident their
charges will have the goods TINS year
and 50 is Manager johnson. So no one
having to do with the building of the
Nationals is worrying over any left
hand pitching problem.
Breaking camp at Biloxi late last
night. the Nationals pulled into Biz
ningham today for game with the
Barons and tonight will move on to
Chattanooga, where they are to COM
pIete their training on their own farm
Tomorrow they will engage the Look
outs in battle on Engel Field, the
ground named after Joe Engel, scout OF
the washington club and president OF
the Chattanooga organization. This
game will begin series of exhibitions
with Southern Association clubs and
the Braves of the National League that
is expected to put the johnson band In
eS4ara F01- tia Aan rhoSa