 " A legend later grew up that Geier was the main target of Nash 's pursuit and that Marston ' threw in ' Lajoie in order to get the Phillies to pay the $ 1 @,@ 500 asking price . This is hardly likely . While Geier was considered a good prospect , Lajoie was banging the ball at a .429 clip in his first professional season , was a fine fielder , and had already been sought by several big league clubs . Nap Lajoie clearly represented a financial asset to Marston , who did not give him away . The price the Phillies paid was a substantial sum for two minor leaguers in 1896 . " 
