Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1957-09-17
WIN, LOSE OR
GNAW By FRANCIS sTANN
Fox, Mantle and Sievers

IN THE PRIVATE OFFICE of visiting managers at
crinth Stadium the amiable senior, Al Lopez holding
court for the last time this The welcome mat was
on display, as always, and Of the reporters said
I'm on q committee that's to pick the most valuable
player in the American League AL If you had vote who
would you choose?"
I've got to like my boy" Lopez replied He was
referring OF course to Nelson Fox his second baseman
STILL it's to you guys to make the decision The way
see it. it's hree-man race among Fox, Mickey Mantle
and Roy Sievers."
newspaperman from Chicago said: "Al, didn't you
forget somebody? Fellow by the of Ted Wliams?"
NO. didn't forget Ted" Lopez said williams is one
OF my favorite baplayers and peope-and he's having
good year But Ted hasn't been the to the Red sox
that Fox has been for Mantle for the Yankees or
Sievers for Washington I've williams hit less in
other years and help his club better"
WHAT is GOING AGAINST sievers is the fact that
he Is playing for club that is cinch to finish no
higher than seventh at best Normally you don't elect
the most valuable from such lowy team
"Sievers might rate it." Lopez was saying "As said
lean toward my own guy, Fox But severs has had a
tremendous year. And then there's Mantle !"
Gould the Yankees win without Mantle?" visitor
asked.
Il doubt it," Lopez said. Hes terrific Maybe you
have to sit on opposite bench to appreciate what
Mantle means to the New York club.
Il would guess" Lopez added, chat it's Fox Mantle
or SEWERS for most valuable. Maybe in that order"
The respected Chicago coumnist Warren Brown took
note that SeverS has played club that's been
IN pennant contention Years ago." Brown observed
there was top-ght star in the National League who
Just about rewote the when he played for
losing ball club When he got traded to contender it
was different story"
LOPEZ, WHO WAS sUITING UP looked at Warren
and said, What the story?"
Well" Brown said, II talked to this slugger a few
trad tn he IhS a
and he said to me, can't stand this pressure Every
pitch seems to ball game Every ball game seems
to mean pennant'"
That happens" Lopez said but in Sievers' case
doubt if he would be affected if he played for first
place club or for one in the second division wish I'd
had Roy all this year."
Quite few people think that back in February in
Florida the White sox did indeed have not only severs
but Catcher Clint Courtney as we'll
IF you had Sievers with all of those runs batted
across. and If you had Courtney to catch while Sherm
Lollar was laid up" said to Lopez then you'd
be home free"
Maybe" Al said. "It's hard to tell"
IN FLORIDA LAST WINTER it seemed certain that
severs and perhaps Eddie Yost Courtney would Join
the White sox Actually Lopez says we only reached
the talking stage This is funny business We beat
washington pretty good for instance but we don't beat
the Yankees Yet almost all of our games with New
York are good ones We Just don't come out on the
front end
ITS not question OF choking up My club doesn't
choke. We may lack depth but we don't choke They
Just beat US On the other hand Washington gives the
Yankees fits. don't know how to explain t."
Lopez still refuses to concede the pennant Actually"
he was saying, I'VE In better position than the
Cardinals in the other league We haven't lost as many
games I'll admit it's going to be tough but we still
have chance"
So on that note the White sox left town for 1857