Evening star., 1938-03-14
NO DEAL IN SIGHT
T0LAND CATCHER
Livingston, Early Do Not
Fill BiII-ReguIars Slug
to Win Starter.
BY FRANCIS F.. STAN.
Staf CORRESPONDENT OF Tha Star.


ORLANDO, Fla, March u. As
they move from the preliminary stage
of spring training into the more ar-
tive and entertaining period of exf1i-
bition campaigning the Nationals still
lack the type of utility catcher who
could take over in the event OF in
jury to Rick Ferrell Moreover, Owner
Clark Griffith insists he has nothing
on the fire, in the way Of trade.
The Nationals are wondering aloud
but out of front-offlce earshot, if and
when Griffith will grab an experienced
second-string backstop. We've got
a darn good ball club said one of
the veterans, But we can't stand it
If Rick gets hurt That Mickey Liv-
ingston looks good but he doesn't
figure to hold the club together"
For a ball club that was rocked,
socked and sixth in the 1897 Ameri-
can League race. the Mats display
fine spirit and an amazing sense Of
confidence. Frankly, they like them
selves. But apparently this attitude
doesn't 60 for good manv Of them
IL Ferrell il injured. as he was m
often last year. There Is nothing
mutinous about their talk. There is
only reasonable speculation. plus a
fervent wish that Grifith will Sue
coed in his quest for another mittman.
Rivals Have None To Spare.
Without saying anything about it.
Grifith is searching. He has pored
over the reserve lists and. once or
twice, put in claims on waivers. He
had eyed Willard Hershberger. who
wound up with Cincinnati, He had
pleaded with Joe Mccarthy of the
Yankees. All was for naught.
Word from the ST. Petersburg
training camp of the Yankees indi-
Gates that only Rosar rookie back
stop. will be cut loose by Mccarthy.
There isn't even 3 chance to get him.
Rosar will be sent out for further
seasoning.
None of the other American League
clubs seems to be in a position to part
with 4 catcher. The Red Sox and
Athletics have none to spare. Nor
have the Browns, Tigers and Indians.
There is a chance that Washington
could pick up the veteran George
Rensa from Chicago but it is doubt
ful If Griff1th deems him worth the
$500 waiver rap.
Mickey Hasn't Been Hitting.
Three years ago Griffith found
himself in similar spot He lacked
second-string backstop and was
forced to dip into the National League
for Walter Miles. whom he bought
for $4,000 from Brooklyn. The young
man stuck around for a couple sea-
sons but was cut loose last winter.
Now Miles is managing Chattanooga.
Grifith and Manager Bucky Harris
have given up on Jake Early, one Of
the rockies in camp Jake is promising
enough until he picks up bat Bill
Beard and Alfred Evans aren't close
to major league standard For
while there was high hope for Living
ston. but now Harris fears that
Mickey won't hit.
He may fool me-" comedies Bucky.
but it will come As q surprise. -
Mickey got a walk in four trips to
the dish in yesterdays intrasquad d
game. When he hit the ball he lifted
short, easy flies.
Speaking OF hitting. the regulars
were in q savage mood at the plate
as they laced the Yannigans. 9 to !.
The Yannigans got plenty of runs, but
they only made eight hits of Joe
Krakauskas. Ken Chase and Dutch
Leonard. who was credited with the
game. The regulars blasted Pete Ap-
(See MATS. Page BID