Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-02-27
Vernon Will Become
Ex-senator on Any
Ha|f-Decent Offer
By Burton Hawkins
Stor Stoff Corresnondep.

S'et S'o't ~S"oSfoHo0Ut
ORLANDO. Fla, Feb. 81
The first club to make a semi
respectable offer for the Sena-
tors league leading hitter,
Mickey Vernon, will land him.
That conclusion became all
too obvious today after a futile
salary conference between the
polished first baseman and
Vice President Calvin Griffith
yesterday.
Hes asking more than any,
body imagined" said young
Griffith. who added he would
have no more comment to make
until Vernon becomes an official
holdout by refusing to sign by
Monday.
Talk Appears Useless.
Previous guesses, based on
Vernon's own hazy statements
and knowledge of the clubs Of
fer of $4,000, have placed
Mickey's demands at anywhere
from $4,000 to $35. 900. Young
Griffith's brief estimate of the
situation after yesterdays hour
long conference with Mickey
leaves the club and Vernon so
far apart that further negotia-
ton appears useless.
He said he'd come back to see
me-" Calvin said.
Il may go back" Mickey said.
Vernon, who received $4,000
last year, has made 84-year-old
Clark Griffith bristle with his
salary demands. The Senators
have offered him a $4,000 boost
which Mickey has said is $4,000
or $4,000 short of what he
wants. Since making that state
ment. Vernon apparently has
revised estimates of his value
upward.
Vernon fails to appreciate
the fact that things have
changed since 1916. when he last
led the league" Calvin said. He
was making $4,000 then and We
raised him to $4,000. We drew
more than a million people that
year. Last year we attracted
less than 100000.
You need a pencil and paper
when you talk salary to him, I"
continued Calvin, who indicated
that Vernon is asking about
double his 1853 salary.
Baltimore repeatedly is unin-
terested in acquiring Vernon.
The same seemingly would apply
to the Yankees, who have Joe
Collins and Eddie Robinson
dueling for the first base job.
Chicago could make a deal by
offering Ferris Fain for Vernon,
but it's doubtful if the White
SoX would make the exchange.
DropO, Gernett Possibilities.
Prospects of dealing Vernon
to another club probably are
best with Detroit or Boston. The
Tigers fans aren't enamored
with Walt Dropo. The Red Sox,
moving up their timetable in
an effort to challenge the
Yankees, might be tempted to
part with Dick Gernert.
But rather than trade for a
long-ball hitter such as Dropo
or Gernert. who would find their
power nullified in Griffith Sta
dium's vast reaches, the Senators
would settle for an acceptable
pitcher and turn first base over
to Roy Sievers. recently acquired
from Baltimore in the trade that
sent Gil Coan to the Orioles.
An established outfielder to
team with Jim Busby and Tom
Implicit also would be &C
ceptable to the Senators, who
have quantity but little quality
competing for the vacant out
field spot.
Busby remains unsigned after
a second salary conference with
Calvin, but their differences are
minor.
Wakefield Connects.
Meanwhile, Dick Wakefield,
former Detroit outfielder work.
ing out with the Senators at his
own expense, made a favorable
first impression yesterday when
he rammed two drives over the
right-center fence in batting
practice. Outfielder Kite Thomas
and Lyle Luttrell, rookie short
stop, were the only other Sen
ators to clear the fences.
Pete Runnels also drew favor
able comment from Manager
Bucky Harris. tive never seen
Pete quite so relaxed" Bucky
said. when he's relaxed he's
quite a litter"