Evening star., 1932-08-09
ONLY SIX ON HAND
WITH BURKE GONE
Club Believed Angling for Box
T2Ient--Lucky Win Scored
Over Indians.
BY JOHN b. KELLER.

~ LGVELAND, August 9.-
Either new pitching talent
VI scon is to be picked up by
the Washington base ball
club or those at the head of the
outfit have ceased worrying about
the progress it may make the re-
mainder of this campaign.
Reduction of their mound staff
to six members yesterday by the
optional release of Bob Burke,
left-hander, to the Chattanooga
club indicated that Nationals are
to be helped quickly or left to
shift for themselves the best they
may.
In all probability there will be pitch
ing additions in the near future. 1t
isn't like President Clark Griffith or
Manager Walter johnson to quit the
club cold, despite its indifferent work
recently and the few weeks it has to
30 to finish the season.
Certain it is that the Nationals cam
not be expected to make any headway
over the 45-game stretch they have yet
to cover with only six-man pitching
staff. With Brown, Weaver, Crowder
and Thomas not often finishing what
they start and giving no signs Of being
any stronger in the future, therell be
plenty for the relief side of the staff
to do-much more, probably. than Mar
berry and Coffman will be able to care
for.
DURKE may have been no great
ID shucks as a pitcher this season,
but at least he could be counted
upon for two or three innings of relief
hurting twice a week, and that bit
missing will reduce considerably the
effectiveness of the Washington hill
staff until reinforcements are brought
UP.
1t had been rumored that President
Griffith was angling for Bill McAfee,
o right-hander the Braves had. Twas
told out this way that Grifflth claimed
him when the Boston National Leaguers
sought waivers on the pitcher. If Grit
fifth did, the claim was Withdrawn, for
recently McAfee was turned over to the
Baltimore club in part payment for
Baxter Jordan, inflelder advanced again
to the big show
However, McAfee still may be picked
I'D by the Nationals, for they arrange
odd deals in organized base ball, Per-
haps the Orioles took McAfee from the
Braves with the understanding he
might be sold to the Washington club.
The Nationals work in close harmony
with the Orioles. A McAfee deal may
be on the fire.
WITH their membership reduced to
w 81. the Nationals now have room
for two more players without ex-
c2eding the maximum allowed under
American League law. Quite likely
President Griffth will look for pitch
ers to fill both vacancies. Outside the
mound staff, his club is fairly well
equipped to cope with any emergency
that may develop. But he needs pitch
ers badly.
Burke isn't apt to be recalled from
the Chattanooga club until the South
ern Association season ends, however.
The LookoutS are in the midst Of the
Dixie loops pennant fight and are look
ing to their Washington overload for
all the help they can get. For that
reason as much as any other, Burke
was sent to them. He ought to go well
in his new company.
Burke was a disappointment to those
In charge OF the Nationals, though.
While he was not so highly regarded
by Washington officials in his first two
or three seasons after being drafted
from Little Rock In the Fall of 1925,
the left-hander later came through
with fine pitched games every once in
O while. So high class were some Of
his efforts that it was believed another
year or two would see him come around
TO top-noteh form.
As a relief toiler last year Burke
was of much help and he did well sew
eral times as a starter. too Last Au-
gust he startled the base ball world by
pitching a no-hit game in which he
shut out the Red Sox. After that game,
however, Bob did little to aid his club
In % games with the Nationals this
season, Burke started but 10 and went
the route in but two. He won three
games and lost six. His last start was
against the White Sox In Washington
on July IL. Then he was driven from
the hill in the second inning, although
the Nationals went on TO win.
Burke had a fair trial with the Ma
tionsls. but plainly wasn't ready to
continue as big Lacquer. With some
sound schooling at Chattanooga, he
may prove better the next time he
comes up.
WINNING, TO 6, over the Indians
w yesterday. the Nationals moved
up to an even break on this Sec
ond swing of the season through the
West. with two games TO be played tc
finish the tour.
Monte Weaver was credited with the
victory, making his season record Ii
wins and losses. 1t also was his ninth
win In a row.
But the Nationals and Weaver were
very fortunate to get that third game
of the series here. for the former die
little with their bats, while the latteI
was slapped so soundly he had TO turr
the pitching task over TO AL Crowdel
in :he eighth inning when the Indians
threatened to crash through to a tri
umph.
All told. the Nationals got fiv,
saieties -Four were made of Ora
Hiidebrand before he was chased u
cover in the fourth frame. One wa
made off George Connslly. who fol
loved Hi'deb-and to pitch through tn
c'Hhth inning. Clint Brown set tn
eohn-on band back in order in tn
ri~-h.
H@wever. the Indians kicked in will
th-en e-c-s. END two bv Shortstop Bur
ret we're especially helpful.
Sly2 runs were scored by tie Ma
HHT H