The Washington times., 1937-07-27

hundred grand.
It was said that Simmons was
the man the White Sox wanted.
Be that as it may, Dykes is the
man they kept, and right now
he's the biggest man in American
League circles in Chicago.
Dykes reused the spirit Of the
White Sox last year and dashed
them into third place in a driv-
ing finish. Perhaps the interven-
ton of rain aided him, for the
Griffs were driving hard at the
end of the season, and might have
nabbed the Sox on the wire. But
never mind the might have beens
in the case, Chicago finished
third.
In Second Place
The Sox are in a fair way of
lettering that record this year.
They're in SecGs1d place at the
moment, but what pleases Chicago
and the Chicago team is that the
Pallid Hose have beaten the Yam.
KEGS in their individual series thus
far. The White Sox are the only
club in the American League to
defeat the Yankees hand to hand.
Dykes has played the percent
ages of baseball nicely, although
he wanted to make a couple Of
moves last winter which make
him Shudder now. For instance,
he wanted to trade Jackie Hayes,
and next to Charlie Gehringer,
who's better than Jackie at that
keystone job?
Jimmie was willing to trade Zeke
Bonura when the Italian was q
holdout last winter. But you're
not supposed to mention that, for
Zeke is hitting well over the 800
mark, and is stepping right along
toward the century mark in driv-
ing in runs. Kuhel, whom Dykes
greatly admired at the time under
discussion, is not hitting with
Bonura, nor has he driven in even
so runs.
Get Good Pitching
The Sox have prospered on good
pitching. Ted Lyons, after a sour
start, is moving right along with
the good pitchers. He is as smooth
as silk, and may pitch today.
Stratton has been most effective,
and Kennedy can pitch a good
game of ball any time he starts.
Dykes, by a pat on the back, has
made a splendid outfielder out of
Fred Walker, whom the Yankees
passed along as unsuited to the
New York environment. Dixie
and all walkers are called Dixie
is hitting the ball, and he's been
ball hawk on the defense. His
arm, which was a problem with
the Yankees, has come along in
fine style, and now he does every.
thing just about right.
Luke Sewell, one-time Washing
ton catcher, is credited with a
major share in the success of
the White Sox. Sewell is a wise
old head among ball players, and
he can coax that little extra stuff
out of q pitcher without the
least bit Of trouble. Merv Shea
Is another catcher who knows his
stuff and he can handle the
mask assignment without apol-
ogy to the best.
Harris Cherishes Hopes
Although the Sox have been
poison to the Griffs this season,
having won 10 out Of IA starts,
Stanley Harris cherisheS the hope
that the terrific outbursC of hit
ting power was not q one-day
performance, indicative Of moth
ing in particular, but something
of q guide to the immediate fu-
ture. It stands to reason that
nothing will stop a club which
hit as the Griffs hit in st. Louis.
Cecil Travis is the low-ranking
member Of the Big Five Of base.
ball, with an average Of 1872. He
forced Giuseppe DiMaggio out OF
the top bracket, which is . real
feat in itself.
Travis looms as a real threat
to the leaders in batting. but he
will have to improve a lot before
he can be accepted as a damag-
ing Walloper. Travis is not much
of a run producer. Compare his
80 runs batted in with DiMag-
gio's 80 If anyone wishes to de-
bate that rather obvious point.
The probabilities are that Prof.
Monte Weaver will pitch for the
Griffs today, although Harris
may switch to some other hurler
before game time.