Evening star., 1947-12-02
Griff Reports Deals
Pending With Two
Or Three Teams
By Burton Hawkins

President Clark Griffith of the
Mats today denied reports that
Pitcher Walter Masterson would be
traded to the New York Yankees,
but admitted he has deals pending
with two or three clubs" which
may materialize at the major
league winter meeting at New York
next week.
Informed of reports out of
Miamis minor league meeting that
Masterson was involved in a pro-
posed trade with the Yankees. Grif-
fifth declared, They're talking
through their hats. I'm not going
to dispose of Masterson I haven't
even talked to the Yankees about
him. Yes, I've talked to Bucky Har-
ris (Yankees' manageD, but only
in a general way, as have other
clubs. 1 definitely will keep Mas
| terson."
Manager Harris disclosed at Mi
ami that the Yankees have deal
for a starting pitcher on the fire.
1--WE should have an important play
er deal announcement to make in
New York next week." Harris told
the Associated Press. I'm fact, "
he continued, "it looks as if we
might have two deals to announce" ;"
Priddy's Status Clouded.
Griffith is in mood to trade and
in parting with starting pitcher
would seek ipield. outfeld and
catching strength. Certain to leave
the Mats is Second Baseman Jerry
Priddy, while Outfielder Stan Spence
admittedly is being sought by the
Cleveland Indians.
Priddy's status remains clouded.
Baseball Commissioner Happy
Chandler has returned to Griffith
the check dispatched by the Mats
boss to the st. Louis Browns In pay
ment for Second Baseman Johnny
Berardino. Chandler said the deal
"'had not been consumated" as far
as his Office was concerned, due to
Berardino's announcement that he
was quitting baseball for film
career
Vice President Calvin Griffith Of
the Mats has instructions to- confer
with Bill De Witt, general manager
of the Browns. at Miami in an effort
to call off the Priddy and cash for
Berardino deal. Should the Browns
refuse, Griffith will ask Commis-
sioner Chandler to cancel the deal.
Harris long has been an admtrer
of Masterson's fast ball and last
summer stamped the tall, bespec-
tacled right-hander as one OF the
leagues top 10 pitchers. Masterson
won IL games last season and for
the first time showed signs of full
filling the promise he displayed
when he joined the Mats in 1889.
Wynn Probable Bait.
If Masterson remains with the
Mats, as Griffith says, Early Wynn
probably is the bait Griffith is
dangling before the Yankees. The
sturdy right-handed pitcher won II
games this year.
Last spring Griffith was offered
Third Baseman Billy johnson, Out
fielder Johnny Lindell Catcher
Aaron Robinson and Pitcher Joe
Page by the Yankees for First
Baseman Mickey Vernon, but Grit
fifth snubbed that proposal.
Since the Yankees have an ade-,
quate third base replacement in
Bobby Brown, johnson is likely to
be involved in a trade. He would
fit into Grif1ths scheme to bring
right-handed batting strength to
the Mats, as would Lindell. Despite
his inept World Series play, Catcher
Yogi BerTa still is regarded as the
Yankees No. receiver by Harris,
who has shown no great affection
for Robinson.
The Yankees won't enter the 194S
race as comprised currently. THE
Red Sox, in obtaining Junior Ste
phens, Jack Kramer and Ellis Kin
der from the St. Louis Browns, have
become too tough" said Harris. I'VE
can't afford a stand-pat policy
Meanwhile, the Browns contin-
ued to unload first-line players.
General Manager De Witt told the
Associated Press at Miami that he
had obtained waivers on Outdelder
Jeff Heath, onetime Nat, and that
a National League club would land
him. The Browns also plan to trade
Jake Early, another former Nat.
Giants Seeking Pitcher.
The New York Giants, still search
ing for a pitcher, were offered
Southpaw Johnny Double No-Hit)
Wander Nicer by Johnny Neun, man
ager of the Cincinnati Reds, who
demanded center fielder in ex-
change. It was said Manager Mel
OFT of the Giants was willing to
part with Reserve Outf1elder Lloyd
Gearhart, but Neun preferred Bob
by Thomson or Carol (Whitey)
Lockman.
Cincinnati also was reported talk
ing a trade with the Chicago Cubs
involving Shortstop Eddie Miller and
Harry (Peanuts) Lowry. Cub out
fielder. Another deal in the making
involved the Cubs and the Boston
Braves. The Braves were ready to
trade Dick Cutler to the Cubs for
pitcher.
On the business agenda at Miami
the International League held It's
annual meeting and followed in the
footsteps of the American Associa-
ton in opposing the Pacific Coast
Leagues project for major minor
status. They also voted the adoption
of q uniform ball in all the minors
and the maintenance of the bonus
rule which was instituted last year
Trojons Work on offense