Evening star., 1942-03-10
Champs, Tigers
Still Are After
Slab Veteran
Vernon Also Wunted
In Deal; Dutch Gets
His Bonus Clause
By BURTON HAWKINS,
star staff Correspondent.


ORLANDO, Fla, March 10.-Trade
rumors are easier to pluck than
oranges In this citrus and baseball
belt today, but President CLARK
Grifith Of the Mats says he is toss
ing cold water on the fond hopes OF
at least two clubs who are seeking
Pitcher Dutch Leonard and First
Baseman Mickey Vernon.
I'VE haven't anything to trade
persists Griff1th. who has talked
Leonard into agreeing to terms. He
probably hasn't been tempted by
efforts thus far and II Detroit and
New York Yankees bait isn't more
attractive. it's likely most Of the
rumorS will die natural death.
Griffith. anyway, has been Of
fered Pitcher Buck Newsom, Catcher
Billy Sullivan and cash for Leonard
Vernon and Catcher Al Evans. The
Tigers, who made the offer through
Business Manager Jack Zeller. also
are willing to part with Newsom fol-
Leonard in a straight swap.
The Washington boss may be ex-
cused for refusing to emit great
glee over those proffered transac.
tions. He would be stripping him.
self Of some Of his better material
in exchange for dubious characters
and whatever cash he could wrangle
Griffith, Zeller Confer.
Grifith also claims he is giving
the cold shoulder to q proposition
by the Yankees, who likewise are
after Leonard and Vernon. The
Yankees are offering Pitcher Red
Ruffing and Third Baseman Red
Rolfe. with either Pitchers Hank
Borowy, George Barley. Milo Can
DIM or Outfielder Mike Chartak a,
q toSs-in.
Zeller, who conferred with Grifiith
for more than an hour yesterday
also is interested In Pitcher Marvin
Breuer Of the Yankees. New York
is fancying First Baseman Rudy
York of the Tigers, etc, but the
basis Of most negotiations seem tc
center on Leonard and Vernon, and
Grif1th says they'll remain with
the Mats
zeller, however. isn't so certain
He admittedly is attempting Il
peddle Newsom to the Mats ane
claims Grif1th hasn't discouraged
him. IT think we'll get together or
something" said Zeller after tn.
conference.
1--WE talked about Leonard ane
Newsom in straight deal. Mr.
Griffith said he wanted to talk tt
Leonard before he considered tn,
offer. Well get together again"
Against Deal for Vernon.
Griffith did the necessary talking
to Leonard last night and wher
the confab was over, Dutch hao
agreed to terms. He was expected
to place his signature on a contrac
today. When told New York ant
Detroit were seeking him. Dutch
said. Gee, that sounds good"
Neither Leonard nor Grif11tl
would reveal the agreed terms, but
it is understood the chubby knuckle
ball hurler will receive $4,000 ant
bonus of 81 500 if Griffith Stadium
attendance exceeds 100000
Detroit or New York may argu,
Griffith into trading Leonard, bu
Vernon is rated certainty to sticl
with the Mats. Washington's clean
up hitter, the slim first baseman i
regarded by Manager Bucky Harri
as approaching his peak. Sure
the Tigers and Yankees wan
Vernon" says Harris, but so do tn,
Mats"
Griffth doubtless will attempt t.
purchase the Yankees Chartak
With ROBERTO Estalella playing thirt
base, the Mats are equipped will
only four outfielders, including tn
currently injured Roberto Ortiz, ant
insurance in that department is on
Of their more urgent requirements
Manager Joe Mccarthy ant
Griffith also huddled yesterday ant
Chartak was the object OF Griff'
affection,