Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1959-03-31
WIN. LOSE OR
UkAW By FRANCIS srANN
For Whom the Watch Ticks

TAMPA, Fla, Mar. 31.-So popular is the belief
that Mickey Mantle is the swftest American Lacquer
moving from home plate to first base that Harry Posove
stopwatch is apt to be widely disputed Harrys mepece
says thing the eye and Mckeys reputation another
Harry Posove is eastern supervisor of the White Sox
scouting system He's of 81 Chicago scouts combng
the country and filling out complex report cards Part of
a complete scouting report concerns speed.
This day Postove cockng the hitterS during an
exhibition between the Tigers and White Sox. He his
watch only when batter running all out trying to beat
an inheders throw He enters the time in thick black
book
1--WE got Mantle at flat" Harry Said turn
ing to Yankees in his book. Mickey probably would
argue and say that he faster and point out that
it is too early to extend himself But seconds is what
the Stopwatch says"
Strange as 1t may See Mantle faster to first base
than Dave Sine, the Duke Splinter But Harvey Kuenn,
with great reputation a speedboy is faster than
Mantle and Luis Aparco of the White Sox Swter than
all of them.
II TIMED SINE in college game and he was Al"
PoStove remembered ut like he should be faster
but you've got to remember that in all Dawes sprint
races he comes from behind Slime is not good starter,
from the blocks"
The White Sox scouts grade just about every ball
player they See-coege, minor league and big league
Speed, hitting, throwing fielding pitching are ap-
praised. In report the Xxx means excellent
single "X is good 20" is fair and "OO is poor.
Chuck Comiskey who was explaining the grading sys-
tenn while Postove was timing the hters chuckled as he
recalled that one scout marked 200" rookie pitcher
for the Giants That's the lowest rating I've ever seen
Chuck said Apparently the fellow can't do anything well
Nantes 40 was from the right side of the plate !"
Postove explained. 1--WE clicked two other Yankees
Bobby Richardson and Jerry Lumpe-in the same time
we consider seconds fiat good speed for ball PLAYER
For big man. Bill Skowron is fast He's down at
AZ Hank Bauer is getting along in years, but he's timed
in 4212. Norm Sebern is 43 and ElSton Howard is A.
which is fast for catcher"
LITTLE APARICIO, LEADING off an inning beat
out scratch hit. Postove looked at his watch and
whstled Best time of the spring" he said. HE
81" Later in the game he caught the veteran Jim
Rivera, lefthanded hitter, in 49,
When Eddie YoSt of the Tigers came to the plate
Postove looked into his book for past performance by
Yost Last time clicked Eddie he was Al" Postove
said. THAT was when he with Washington" YoSt
hit into double play, close one and he running
all out
Not so good" Postove remarked, studying his watch
"Eddie'S slowed He's 49,"
Centerfeld Kuenn, big who was shifted from
Shorstop because the Tigers were afraid he losing
some of his agility timed at surprising 39 faster
even than AL Kalne who was 4O19.
Il haven't got all the clubs yet this spring." Postove
admitted $50 far just New York. Chicago Detroit and
Baltimore The orioles fastest AL Piarck at an even
seconds, then Billy Klaus at Al"
PoSTOVE DOESN'T CLAIM the stopwatch, is in
faibe Ball players will argue by the hour that I'm
wrong he explained, land must confess that don't
believe that Vada Pnson of the Reds was timed accu-
ratey at 49, Last spring three different scouts aegedy
clicked Pnson at this amazing time.
Maybe the kid is that FAST" Postove grunted 1--WE
never timed him. In the first place, Pinson National
Lacquer and he's so promising there's hardly chance
any American League club has chance to get him.
you know, you won't find many good runners among
ball players today he added Even the kids either don't
learn to run they're too lazy"
Are there any big eaguerS who doubleX in every
department? Comiskey answered that one. Remember
Hollis ThurSton, the old pitcher?" Chuck asked Hes
our western scouting supervisor. just saw his rating
OF Willie Mays-straight doubeXs In hitting running
throwing and fielding Willie rated the only perfect score
And coming from Thurston that's a heluva recon-
mendation."
Why is Thurston inclined to understate?" Comiskey
was asked.
WELL Chuck replied gyou can Judge for yourself.
After Hollis had filled in Mays card he wrote on the
bottom: In good condition" 4,
h. -