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The Hartford Whalers, who have struggled since their tremendous 19-6 start, lost another close game today, 7-6 to Austin. Hartford has dropped its first two games out of its division (McCoy), both at home in Connecticut. Reliever Dan Davis picked up the loss today when he surrendered all 7 earned runs after Kenny Rogers gave way with another spectacular start (but a no decision). Paul Sorrento continued his torid hitting with 2 doubles and his EL-leading 19th homerun of the season. Manager Chrabascz had this to say of his team's play of late, "We knew there was no way of telling how we'd fair out of McCoy. We've actually played well offensively. It's just unfortunate that our relief pitching has been so horrendous. I have faith in Dan (Davis), though--he'll rebound. I also know that opponents will be hard pressed to beat us when Velarde and Palmiero enter the lineup alongside Sorrento, Strawberry and Gwynn. Not to mention, Junior looks to be back within a week."
Speaking of Palmiero and Velarde...
1B Rafael Palmiero, recently acquired from Larimer, will immediately assume first base duties as Sorrento has struggled defensively despite his offensive explosion. Sorrento will become Hartford's designated hitter. Velarde, meanwhile, will take over at second base with the struggling Jose Vizcaino on the bench and veteran Harold Reynolds shipped out of town. Meanwhile, rookie CF Eddie Grove will also leap right into the lineup until Griffey returns. Grove was acquired in the settlement with Tampa Bay.
Tradewinds
Have cooled...VERY much so in Hartford in light of the Tampa Bay debacle and the attaining of Palmeiro. Chrabascz is adamant about keeping his core in tact unless the pitching utterly collapses. "We still have a six game lead in our division and only one team (Ponxatawney) has more wins in the PVBL right now than we do. There's definately no need to panic. Our lineup will be superb soon enough with Sorrento, Strawberry, Gwynn, Griffey, Palmiero, Brosius and Velarde we'll have some tremendous run production potential, don't you think?" Yes we do. It's scary to think that people like Vizcaino, Kurt Abbott and Terry Pendleton would start on other clubs but simply add depth to this one.
Written by Jeremy Chrabascz