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Indians /Tigers Trade Four For Four; Pitchers Prevail • Cleveland Gives Up Gromek, Weik, Aber, Boone for Wight, Houtteman, Ginsberg, Friend By MILT BO LINGER United Press Sports Writer CLEVELAND, Ohio, June 15.— The Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers today made an eight-player trade in which both clubs were seeking the same thing — pitching. The Indians gave up pitchers Dick Weik, Steve Gromek and Al Aber and shortstop Ray Boone. In return, they got pitchers Art Houtteman and Bill Wight, catcher Joe Ginsberg and infielder Owen Friend. The Indians want Houtteman as a possible replacement for Bobby Feller as a starter. The Tigers wanted Weik, Gromek and Aber because, general manager Charley Gehringer said, "Pitching seems to be our downfall." Feller is feared to be over the hill. His record is only 2-4 for the season, and he has, only two complete games to his credit in io starts. Of course, Indian manager Al Lopez is not positive Houtteman is the replacement, for Houtteman was 8-20 last year and is 2-6 this year, despite 19 victories in 1951. "Ill have to study Houtteman first," Lopez said. "Ill give him a couple of chances to see how he does. The same goes for Wight." Boone to Play Third Gehringer had no doubts about his plans for the Tigers. Boone, once Lou Boudreaus replacement as Cleveland shortstop, will be the Detroit third baseman. Aber and Weik will be starters, and Gromek may be, too. "If either Aber or Weik can win for us, I think its an even trade," Gehringer said. "If both come through, I think were way ahead. "We didnt like to give up Houtteman, but he couldnt win for us last year and he hasnt done much this season. Maybe he thinks he cant win here. I hope he does all right for Cleveland because he seems to have everything a good pitcher needs. "But Gromek should be more effective than Houtteman." Cleveland general manager Hank Green-berg, who engineered the straight player deal, said this ends the Indian trading. There was talk of further dealings before the midnight deadline. Greenberg thinks Houtteman - for - Aber means proof -for-possibility. "In Houtteman, we have a young pitcher the same age as Aber 25 who has already demonstrated his ability to win in the majors." Gromek is 1-1, Aber is 1-1 and Weik 0-0 this year. Wight is 0-1.
