Evening star., 1960-04-04
Continued From Page ALL

O1lly Il years Olu dliu oil Jul
Investigations indicate that he
is a terrific prospect"
"Mincher will get every
chance to be in the lineup
opening day." Lavagetto said.
He'll be in the lineup after
he reports to us in a day or
two and he'll play every day
until he proves himself one way
or the other. I've only seen him
in a couple Of games against
us and he merely pinch-hit in
one of those, but I like his
stroke. He takes a real rifle at
the ball and he seems to play
first base as it should be played.
If he can't make the grade
Immediately, we'll use Allison
at first."
Battey, colored righthanded
hitter, is rated an excellent
catcher by the Senator's big
wigs. He hit only .2l9 in sparce
action with the American
League pennant winners last
season, but his defensive work
is regarded as superb.
Gardner Key Figure
Griffith said he had other
trade ideas in mind. Now we
can proceed on other angles"
Cal pointed out. I'D like to get
more pitching strength, out
field help and a better bench.
If we can improve our reserve
we'll be tough"
Cal said the Gardner deal
made the Chicago trade posi-
BILE. He previously had declared
that he wouldn't make a trade
with the White Sox unless
Shortstop Sam Esposito was in
cluded, but said he weakened
in that respect after lanolng
Gardner.
I'VE had three positions to
bolster" Griffith said. I'VE
needed a shortstop, a second
baseman and a catcher. 1t
would be ideal to strengthen
all three positions, but virtu-
ally impossible to accomplish
We've helped ourselves at two
spots and we're hoping to work
with Billy Console and make
him a better shortStop. Gard
ner's savvy should be a big aid
to Billy, who has shown at
times this spring that he could
give us a big boost" Console
will return to the Senators in a
day or two following minor
neck operation in Washington.
i've always been impressed
by Battey," Lavagetto said. HE
has a good arm and although
his batting average has been
low, think he has the poten-
tial Of being a good hitter with
power. They won't be running
on us as much with Battey be-
hind the plate"
Expected by Thursday
Battey, Mincher and Gard
ner are expected to join the
Senators no later than Thurs
day and could appear here in
games with the Kansas City
Athletics today and tomorrow.
Griffith said he was not re-
quired to guarantee the fitness
Of Sievers, out much of last
season with an ailing back and
a reinjured right shoulder.
Sievers became Washington's
first American League home run
champion in 1857 when he hit
AZ. In six seasons with the
Senators. he hit 180 home runs,
a club record. and averaged 96
runs batted in despite slipping
to Il homers and 40 RBI last
year.
SieverS was awakened by
Lavagetto at 2 am. and in
formed of the trade. 1--WE al
ways been treated fairly by the
Washington organization" Roy
said, land I sincerely regret
leaving. By the same token,
I've never had a chance to
play with a team that had a
crack at winning the pennant.
I guess I don't have too many
years left to play and I'm
grateful for the opportunity to
get a grab at some World
Series money"
Problem for White Sox
The acquisition Of Sieyers,
who earned a $35,0O0 salary
with the Senators, poses a prob
lem for the White Sox. They
also have Ted Kluszewski and
Earl Torgeson available for
first base, with the knowledge
that neither Sievers nor Klus-
zewski is likely to be effective
unless played regularly.
Bill Veeck. White Sox presi-
dent, could follow up the Sic
vers deal by dispoSing of the
old Kluszewski. He may be
traded to Detroit, which re-
portedly is not satisfied with
Steve Bilko at first base. Veeck
conducted prolonged telephone
conversations with Griffith
from Chicago and was in fire.
quent touch with his manager,
AL Lopez. in Puerto Rico, where
the White Sox have been play
ing the PhillieS.
Last June, Veeck offered the
Senators five players and $780,
900 for Sievers, Courtney and
Pitcher Russ Kemmerer. This
deal was rejected by the Sen
atorS.
Gardner. never much Of a
hitter. could be the proficient
nivOt man tho Senators have