Evening star., 1943-03-27
'Ex-Yank Makes
.Headway With
Ai|ing Wing
Cinch to Be Starting
HurIeri if Arm Holds
Up, Says Griffith
BY BURTON HAWKINS.

Clark Griffith admittedly was
spinning the wheel of fortune when
he insisted sturdy but sore-armed
hurler be included in the deal that
dispatched Pitcher Bill Zuber and
a bundle of cash to the Yankees in
exchange for Infielder Gerald
Priddy and Pitcher Milo Candini.
but he's beginning to like the gam
BILE he took on Candini.
There was considerable delight
among Washington fans when Grif-
fifth announced that transaction.
principally because in Priddy the
Mats were obtaining a player who
promised to fortify Washington's
lnf1eld. Candini was regarded as a
toss-in but he may develop as
surprise package.
The husky Italian didn't attempt
to shield his sore arm when he re-
ported for spring training. when
l was In training with the Yankees
last spring" he said, Il hurt my arm
pitching against Washington and I
was sent to Newark 1 wasn't right
all last season and I don't know
how good I'll he this year. 1t de-
penos on how my arm responds"
Mike Martin Curbs Him.
Thus far Candini is encouraged.
Trainer Mike Martin has been
guarding Milo as zealously as though
the stocky right-hander was his per-
sonal property. "Ah, there, my bow"
cautions Mike when Candini dis
plays tendency to pour fast ball
into Catcher Jake Early's mitt.
take 1t easy You've had enough
work today. Take turn around the
park, then hit the shower"
Martin wins suit of clothes from
Griffith If he cures Candini's arm.
put his interest is rooted deeper.
Mike is accepting Candini's arm as
challenge and both Griffith and
Candin1 confess there is cause for
optimism
Yes, took gamble on Candini."
says Griffith, but I think it was a
good risk. After all, the fellow was
one OF the Yankees pet young
pitchers before he came up with
mat sore arm and he'll be a swell
pitcher If he RECEIVERS from it.
Griff Notes His Progress.
Hes looking nice and loose now"
continued Griffith as Cahdini took
turn on the mound in batting
practice at College Park. Hes not
pouring EN- in there as fast as he
can at this stage-that would be
foolsh-but he's making fine
progress. If that arm doesn't
bother him this year he's cinch to
be one of our starting pitchers"
My arm hasn't felt this good in
two years" says Candini. It's feel
ing so good, in fact, that Martin
never permits him to escape his
scrutiny while he's on the field. He
fears Milo will be tempted to put
his arm to real test too soon. so
he remains within shouting dis
lance OF Candini at all times.
Scout Joe Cambria, meanwhile. is
boosting Jim Mertz as a fellow lik elv
TO aid the Mats in the pitching de-
partment. He was the fastest
thing in the Southern Association
last year, says Joe of the little
rlght-hander. Keep your eye on
that boy. He has a lot of ability
and great competitive heart. He
may be the real surprise among the
pitchers
Mertz Makes Impression.
Mertz, who won IL games and lost
Is with Atlanta last season, hasn't
embarrassed Cambria. He's been un-
leasing some of the swifter pitches
viewed thus far at College Park and
generates considerable steam despite
his slight stature.
Washington's training maneuvers
which attracted several hundred
fans yesterday, we're expected to be-
come more intriguing today with the
arrival Of Priddy and Outfelder Bob
johnson, but the weather threatened
to confine the Mats activities to in
door exercise.
Knocky Thomas, former University
OF Maryland catcher who has hal
professional experience with Sails
bury. Md, and Trenton N. j., is
working out with the Mats. He is a
capable catcher who has been handi-
capped by inability to clout a curve,