Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-05-02
SECTOR SEES HELP
IN EAST'S BALANCE
Figures, 1t viii Profit as
Seaboard Clubs Check
One Another.
BY JOHN b. KELLER.

TOR the first time in years
r. since 1920, in fact-there'S
pennant bee buzzing loud
ly in the western sector of
the American League. Fans out
that way are call het up" They
are pulling for their part of the
circuit to produce a champion,
something it has not done since
the Indians blazed to flag dec
ade ago, and, according to report,
they have so encouraged the
Western clubs that the latter have
ideas of getting somewhere in the
Barnard loop race.
Since the Indians triumphed in 1920,
che West has been decidedly out OF the
American League running. The Yanks
virtually romped to titles in 1921-22-23
and when the Nationals triumphed in
1924 and 1925 only the East gave them
battle. The Yanks fought to a finish
with the Washington club the first year
the flag came here and the next year
the Athletics gave battle down to the
last month of the campaign. Then the
Yanks won three more in row with
the AS pressing them and 1t was the
Yanks who fought the AS last year. No
wonder the West is looking for an out.
WUllS WSSG6In CluUS JIl1S OStSOll-tWO
or three Of them at leaSt-regard them
selves sturdy enough to do most of their
own battling in this hunt for a flag they
feel that with the East better balanced
in strength than it has been for some
time there's a grand CHI nee for one OF
them to cop the priced bunting. They
are looking for dog-eat-dog proposition
in the East, what with the Nationals
and Red Sox up and at the hitherto
powerful AS and Yanks thereby giving
some Western club a sweet opportunity
to step in and seize the bacon.
Heretofore in the years of Eastern
domination, some one Eastern club al
ways has been strong enough to give
the rivals of its sector sound thrashing
then play Just fast enough against the
West to carry on comfortably to the
championship. AS the season has start
ed, though, it does not seem likely any
one club will walk roughShod over the
others of this section.
Now with the West on edge and full
of confidence these next two weeks
should be roaiSing ones for, base ball along
the Atlantic Seabaord. Browns Indians,
White Sox and Tigers will be running
over with fight, very likely, all along the
line and as the Nationals have flashed
such surprising strength since the start
of the campaign they'll be made special
targets by the clubs of the far sector.
Last year the Westerners put forth
0IuIr utmost against the AS and Yanks,
figuring the Nationals and Red Sox
would not annoy them greatly anyway
It'll be different this time, though These
next two weeks in Grifith Stadium will
see the Nationals with tough tussle on
their hands.
HARLEY BOSS, first sacker farmed
by the Nationals to Chattanooga.
fS In WaShfnofnVa o.
an injured knee treated and the treat
ment may compel him to remain here
some time. Boss sustained the knee in
jury early in the LookoutS' training sea-
son, and according to reports, considered
1t so slight at the time he neglected 1t.
Later 1t caused him serious trouble and
he was unable to do any playing for the
Chattanooga club. When ordered to re-
turn to washington for treatment Boss
seemed in no hurry and his delay in
getting here may not be so helpful to
him later in a financial way.
IXTHEN Boss first came up to the Ma
w tionals from Little Rock he was
rated fine first basing prospect,
but that he Is not held in such high re-
gard by the Washington officials now
Is indicated in their order to Joe Engel,
who scouts for the Nationals when he is
not presidenting for the Chattanooga
club. to comb the minors for promis-
ing initial sack guardian. Manager
johnson, 1t seems, wants good under
study to the veteran Joe Judge at hand
instead Of with some minor farm, how
ever, which may mean that young Boss,
should his knee get well before Engel
lands some talent, will stick around the
Nationals instead of Immediately re-
turning to the Lookouts.
President Griffith has until June is to
reduce his club to 25 players, but unless
some others are picked up before that
time he will have to check out but two
to keep in line with the major league
agreement. Including Boss and Herbert
Pyle, pitcher now working out with
Chattanooga, there are but 81 players
on the Nationals roster.
How a clubs personnel changes be-
tween the close Of season and when
the next season Is little more than two
weeks old. Between the end of last
September and today there have been
Al players with the Washington club.
Eight were released outright and six
now are out under option. Some do not
stick very long in the big show.
HOW THEY STAND