Evening star., 1947-03-11
Veteran Is Regarded
As Griff's S Best Bait
For InfieIder Deal
By Burton Howkins
star sfnff correxnondenf

Stor Sfoff CORRESPONDENT
ORLANDO, Fla, Mar. 11.-Buddy
Lewis won't object to being traded
by the Mats and even is indicating
he would welcome it. The 30-year-
old outfielder is undecided about
requesting President Clark Griffith
to initiate deal involving him, but
he's limiting it will be all right If
they unload him.
One of five veteran outfielders on
the club, Lewis will be traded only
If he desires it, for Grif1ith is placing
sentimentality above business in
Buddy's case. They are close friends
and the Mats boss will dispose of
him only with Lewis permission.
Lewis is less inclined to allow
friendship to interfere with business.
II wouldn't object to being traded" )"
says Buddy, "but I wouldn't want
Mr.. Grifith to do me any favors
just because we are friends. II he
feels it's to his advantage to trade
me, that's all right. In fact,
might talk to him about it.
I'D like Mr.. Griffith to do it
strictly as a business proposition,
with no regard for friendship"
Lewis continued. Buddy later said
he wouldn't approach Griffith and
request that he be swapped, but he
left the door wide open in case
Griff is considering the idea.
Surplus of Outfielders.
The Mats have a surplus of
outflelders in Joe. Grace, George
Case, Stan Spence, Gil Coan and
Lewis. Their obvious flaw is g re-
liable shortstop or second baseman,
depending on the position which
Jerry Priddy ultimately will be as
signed.
Washington is attempting to con-
vert Priddy, one Of baseball's top
second. baseman, into a shortstop
and 60 along with George Myatt or
Eddie Lyons at second base. With
Lewis as bait, the Mats probably
could deal for an outstanding short
stop, return Priddy to second base,
rely on Cecil Travis to make a come
back at third base and possess a
crack inf1eld with Mickey Vernon at
first base.
That idea isn't abhorrent to Lewis.
a .292 hitter with the Mats last sea-
son. He realizes the Mats aren't a
pennant contending club as consti-
tuted currently. If he could be trad
ed to the Yankees, Red Sox or Tigers
he not only might figure in World
Series this season but also would be
able to command more magnificent
salary next year than the. $4,000
he'll receive from the Mats this sea-
son.
Lewis Best Trading Material.
Lewis willingness to be traded is
significant, for the Mats could afford
to dispose of him. The Mats only
hope of being a pennant pursuing
club Is for all question marks on the
club to become exclamation points.
At the moment there are too many
question marks.
Second base is gamble with N.Y.
att or Lyons. Priddy is an untested
ShortStop. Travis must stage q
comeback at third base. The Mats
catching department is so-so and
the pitching could be sensational
providing everybody clicks. It is
the outfield that the Mats can afford
to risk weakening in order to
strengthen other departments
Lewis represents the best trading
material. Buddy long has been
recognized as a good hitter and he
is sought by other clubs. Coan is
young and promising, reason
enough for Griffith to cling to him.
Neither Case nor Grace would bring
as much in deal as Lewis, but both
are capable of playing brilliant
baseball. Thus Lewis becomes key
man IN trade talk.
Griffith admittedly is eager to OBJ
tain shortstop or second base
man, but doesn't know where to
search. When reporter suggested
Lewis and Walter Masterson
trade for Shortstop Vernon Ste
phens of the st. Louis Browns, Grit
fifth said, I'll give you $150,000 If
you make that deal for me. The
Yankees have only Phil Rizzuto as
a shortstop and they won't let
him on"