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The trade between Hartford and Larimer involving Rafael Palmiero, Randy Velarde, Harold Reynolds, Todd Benzinger and Lenny Dykstra went through and will be effective starting tomorrow. Thus, the Whalers will have finish out their 3-game set with Austin without Palmiero's services. Hartford has dropped the firs two, very close, contests to Austin at home in Connecticut and finish the series today. Macon comes into town tomorrow for a 3-game set. Manager Chrabascz commented on the way into the ballpark today, "Well, Rafael had trouble getting his things together in time to come out today. We've gotten him a place to stay but the moving company hasn't been helpful. Randy made it here but we're not going to make him play today. He got in around midnight last night. I only want well-rested layers on my field. Thankfully, we'll have both of them in our lineup tomorrow for Macon (second-place in the Spock Division)." Chrabascz was asked to comment on Palmiero's comments on his former Larimer Manager and if he was likely to cause any trouble in Hartford, "Well, I'm not little, now am I? Besides, I think everyone knows that poor behavior is not tolerated in Hartford." Indeed. It has been speculated that Hartford dropped negotiations for Albert Belle because they viewed him as a potential liability to team unity and their fan base in New England. Besides, when Palmiero became available they jumped (Larimer just had to say how high).
Hartford looks to salvage one from Austin today as Jose Rosado takes the mound for the Whalers, looking for his 3rd win (he has a ton of no-decisions). John Burke will open the second-half of Hartford's homestand tomorrow against Macon Whoopie.
For those of you who are curious what all of these transactions have done to our lineup...
Batting Lineup, effective tomorrow: Eddie Grove, Tony Gwynn, Daryl Strawberry, Paul Sorrento (DH), Rafael Palmiero (1B), Randy Velarde, Scott Brosius, Howie Paulette and Joe Girardi...or something like that.
Incidentally, Ken Griffey Jr should return sometime later this week to replace rookie Eddie Grove in center.
Written by Jeremy Chrabascz