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Williams Signs 00,000 Contract Ready for Action In Week or So7 Dons Famous No. 9 Uniform Shortly After Conference And Starts Training Grind By JOE PHELAN United Press Sports Writer BOSTON, Mass., May 13.— Ted Williams signed a one-year contract for an estimated 00,000 today and promptly announced he would be ready to play "any position" lor the Boston Red Sox in "a week or so." The lanky, 36-year-old slugger lost no time in donning his famous No. 9 uniform and getting to work on his conditioning program at deserted Fenway Park. "I feel like 19 and a helluva lot better than I did last year with that busted shoulder," Williams said. "1*11 need a week or so to get in shape and then Ill play any position manager Mike Higgins wants to use me in." Higgins said it would be up to Ted to "figure out his own conditioning program." Williams revealed he had not hejkabat all winter but figured his legs MlWM would give him the most trouble getting into shape. Hands in Good Shape "My hands are in good shape from fishing, but by legs and arms will give me some trouble," he said. Reporters noted that it was a more jovial and less sensitive Williams who met them as he emerged from general manager Joe Cronins office after the contract signing. Williams chuckled when someone said he appeared "mellowed." Ted said the pin inserted in his injured shoulder last season was giving him some trouble and "eventually will have to be removed." He scoffed at a reporters remark that the ailing Red Sox emerged from their losing streak Wednesday because of Teds announcement he would rejoin the Red Sox. "The boys just found their hitting eyes, I had nothing to do with it," he said. Williams predicted that the Sox would finish "well up in the first division." His willingness to play any position for Higgins might find Williams alternating between left field and first base. It is generally conceded that the Red Sox are weakest in the batting department at first base. Williams replacement in left field, Faye Throneberry, currently is the top Red Sox batter with a .292 average. Although injured, he is expected to be available before Williams rounds into shape. In that event, Higgins would use Williams at first base and retain the power of Throneberry at the plate. Williams is expected to be available for pinch-hitter duties almost immediately. Higgins answered questions in this department by saying: "Thats up to Ted. When he feels hes ready well use him."
