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From Hartford-
The Whalers won their seventh straight game Thursday, sweeping Edmonton in a double-header. Greg Maddux picked up his 4th win and Jose Rosado his first. Hartford has extended its division lead to 5 games over second place Seattle on the heals of hot pitching. GM/Owner/Manager Jeremy Chrabascz had this to say, "We've won those seven straight on solid pitching. If we can get our hitting up from .288 and some increased run production we can be unstoppable. That is a team's goal, is it not?" Hartford leads the PVBL with a record of 16-6 and a home record of 10-2 at Travellers Park. Ken Griffey Jr. and Paul Sorrento have led the Whale's offensive charge while Greg Maddux, Kenny Rogers and Jose Rosado are a combined 9-0 (and rookie John Burke, the fourth starter, is 2-1).
Hartford news:
Daryl Strawberry remains on the DL with a pulled hamstring. Strawberry was leading the Enterprise League in hitting prior to his injury. Hartford anxiously awaits his return.
The 2B job is still up for grabs as veteran Harold Reynolds has impressed no one this week, hitting .093 It seems Vizcaino will retain the starting job starting next week. Chrabascz confirmed this, saying, "Unless Harold goes 5-5 with a slew of RBI's and stolen bases next game then yeah, I think you've got you're answer. We miss Jose's speed in the lineup even if he isn't hitting well this season."
Hartford is not currently seeking anything in particular. Chrabascz feels the club has enough pitching to experiment with the fifth rotation spot and the bullpen and there are no real big gaps in the lineup. He has said, "We could use some greater depth off the bench. If Paul and/or Tony and Ken get injured we're screwed."
Hartford is testing the waters by temporarily placing Tom Brunansky, Todd Benzinger, Tony Fossas and Lee Smith on the trading block.
Written by Jeremy Chrabascz