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: Most Major Clubs Still on Lookout Only White Sox Busby Deal Could Mean Flag; Anticipate Action Under Waiver System By STEVE SNIDER United Press Sports Writer NEW YORK, N. Y., June 21. The major league trading deadline has passed, but most clubs still have the same old problems. In the busy days leading up to the June 15 wind-up of waiver-free trading within each league, only the go-go White Sox were able to swing a deal that could pay off in a pennant. They "re-purchased" outfielder Jim Busby from Washington in a move they hope will carry them all the way. But the Yankees still are looking for more pitching and the Indians fell short of their goal of bolstering their fading champions. Detroit strengthened at first base with the addition of Earl Torgeson from the Phillies, but theyre not a serious contender yet. In the National League, the Giants failed to make important repairs to their world champions except for the addition of aging Sid Gordon from Pittsburgh. The Braves strengthened their catching staff and thats about all. Some of the others, led by Cincinnati and the Phillies, were active in the player marts in recent weeks without making any tremendous spurt in the standings. With the passing of the June 15 trading deadline, deals can be made only under the process of the waiver system. Its more complicated that way, but theres a cinch to be further activity, with the White Sox most likely to be involved. Marion Sure He Has a Winner Marty Marion is convinced he has a club that can take both the Indians and Yankees over the jumps at long last. It may need more batting power or staying power. If theres a chance to improve, general manager Frank Lane will grab it no matter what the cost. An example of current White Sox thinking was the Busby deal June 7. The White Sox originally dealt Busby to Washington in 1951 when Lane became convinced Jim never would be a major hitter. Busby proved him wrong as a Senator and Lane freely admitted his error. To correct it, he re-purchased Busby. "Ill buy back any player who can help us," said Lane, who admits he also might be interested in another White Sox alumnus Gus Zernial. Busby cost the White Sox the services of outfielder Johnny Groth, pitcher Bob Chakales and catcher Clint Courtney. Lane later added, in a Baltimore deal, pitcher Harry Byrd and catcher Les Moss. The Indians, dealing for Gene Woodling and Billy Cox, had the makings of an excellent transaction until Cox decided to retire. Even if Billy changed his mind, hed still be a question mark now. Kansas City tried with only modest success to strengthen with Yankee castoffs. Baltimore added some power, but not much. Washington got three good hands in exchange for Busby, who was in a slump. Cincinnati, among other things, tried to improve pitching with the addition of Joe Black, Steve Ridzik and Hershell Freeman in deals since the season opened. Philadelphia picked up some potential power in Jim Greengrass and Glen Gorbous and picked up a couple of pitchers. But none of the players has cured any chronic problems unless the Busby deal gives the White Sox a jackpot. The fleet outfielder just might make the difference.
