Evening star., 1935-09-18

OHN (bUOD1) b6W4O, VIII
won't reach 19 years of age
for several weeks, is going to
~ be tried at third base by the
Washington Ball Club after all.
Chattanooga'S likeliest contribution,
supposedly, will crash the lineup any
day now following balated decision
of possibly much significance by Man.
ager Bucky Harris.
Up until today the National bosses
had intended to limit Lewis activities
this season to light practice, in defer
ence to the boys rundown condition
when he reported to the Griffs two
days ago, but two publicly rea-
sons we're responsible for the change
in plans.
The first is that reports made
Lewis condition sound more serious
than actually it is; the second is
Bucky is inclined to believe that
Roberto EStallella. his other rookie
third sacker, needs another year in
the minors.
Esty's Fielding Needs Polish.
<xIHAT may be third reason. and
w one that only is suspected, has
to do with Cecil Travis, the reformed
third baseman who has been playing
the outf1eld and showing worlds of
promise. Anywhere from one to four
outfielders will be placed on the
trading block this Winter and the
number may depend on whether
Travis is Washington's left fielder
next Spring or the third baseman.
Harris was surprised pleasantly
when Estallella. the saWedof Cuban
shotgun, put in a week of sensational
play at third base after migrating
here from Harrisburg. But in spite
Of Roberto's meteoric rise, Bucky is
inclined to believe year with Albany,
for instance is what Estallella needs.
He may be big league hitter by
next year" speculated Harris, but
he won't be a good fielder He'd have
to hit at a terrific pace to offset his
fielding"
Although Lewis is one Of the young
est players ever to wear Washing
ton uniform. he has advanced con-
siderably farther than Estallella in
the field. But even Buddy. highly
touted as he is, is a question mark as
far as next year is concerned.
Lewis 10 Pounds Underweight.
"T EW1S can't miss making the grade,
in my opinion" declares Harris,
''but whether he'll be big-leaguer
next season is problematical, His
throws are little 'scattery' right
now. but he's a fair fielder and at
bat Buddy's got great swing. He
swings like Bill Terry, but with more
pull than Terry.
"Of course. Lewis probably is good
enough to gamble with on third base.
He'll finish next season greatly i'm
proved, but in the early part he may
cost a couple of games or so with
his inexperience."
Harris observations on Lewis are
based strictly on his practice per-
formances in his two days as a Ma
tional When he reported, Buddy, a
rangy type on Travis lines except
that he'll be larger than Cecil in a
year or two was 10 pounds under
weight. The sun-baked diamonds of
the Southern Association took their
toll on the boy But his condition has
improved so much and the weather
has been so inviting that Harris has
decided to try him in formal compe-
tition.
Nothing will be held against Lewis
because of his lack Of shape, but Bucky
is in hopes of discovering enough
about his action" so that he won't
have to depend entirely on what the
kid shows next Spring in training
camp.
Trade Plans May BE Affected.
THIS seems natural enough. because
If Buddy needs bit more polish
ing in high-class minor league it
will mean that Travis must be pulled
out Of the outfleld and placed back
on third base for another year. And
this we'll might affect current trading
plans which, rumor hath. include the
transfer Of Outfielders Fred Schultz,
Heinie Manush and Johnny Stone for
hoped-for pitching strength as we'll as
at least one gardener. who may be
Gerald Walker of Detroit or possibly
Roy johnson of Boston.
IF Travis must be called back to
the infield," Harris philosophers, "at
least we've the satisfaction of know
ing that he can play the outfeld and
do a great job. He'll make a really
good outflelder some day. just as Lewis
eventually will be a third baseman
and a good hitter. It's just question
Of time"
That time question, however, is big
enough. There isn't much doubt that
Harris again will manage the Ma
tionals in 1886 and, with the champion
Tigers showing signs of wearing weak
in two or three spots, the American
League likely is to be a free-for all,
with not an outstanding team in the
race. And Bucky would like to be in
that flag chase.