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The Hartford Whalers dropped three in a row at home to Austin today as rookie starter John Burke lost, 7-5. Burke allowed 4 runs in 5 innings of work, his worst outing of the season. Chrabascz simply said, "If 4 runs in 5 innings is his worst I think we can live with it." Burke dropped to 3-2 on the season. Scott Brosius homered in the losing effort. Reliever Dan Davis struggled once again and had this to say of his luck lately, "My arm feels like Jell-o Pudding...all my opponents outta grab a spoon and grab a bowl o' me!" The press core laughed hysterically but Chrabascz was none too pleased and neither was Davis when he heard he was being sent down to AAA for rehab assignments tomorrow.
Tony Saunders makes his second start for the Whalers tomorrow and is looking for his second win as Hartford hosts Macon for a 3-game set. Hartford's PVBL-best home record dropped to 14-7 today, a mark Chrabascz hopes improves, "We should win at home-period. We have the best fans and the best damn stadium in the league. There's no reason to lose at home...EVER. Thankfully, we'll have a couple of fresh faces to provide a spark and get us out of this funk tomorrow." Those "fresh faces" are slugger Rafael Palmiero and journeyman, Randy Velarde, both of whom will be in the starting lineup to open the series against Macon (along with Eddie Grove in center, recently acquired in a settlement with Tampa Bay).
Transactions
-The Palmiero & Velarde trade was confirmed and approved and they will join Hartford in Hartford tommorrow. -Eddie Grove, acquired from Tampa Bay, will start in center tomorrow.
-Reliever Dan Davis was sent down to AAA.
-Reliever Bob Mitchell was promoted to PVBL to take Davis' spot.
-Griffey took batting practice for the first time in 3 weeks and said, "It feels great. I can't wait to get back in the game." We're sure his opponents can!
-Former starters SS Kurt Abbott and 2B Jose Vizcaino remain on the bench as they continue to struggle offensively and defensively this season. It is rumored that rookie Howie Paulette will give way to Vizcaino for a bit, who will try SS. We'll keep you posted.
-Paul Sorrento, who has started every game this season, will no longer be starting at 1B. Although he has been explosive offensively, he leads the EL in errors. Thus, Sorrento will give way to Palmiero and become DH.
-Terry Pendleton's healing is going slowly, VERY slowly. No word on when he'll return from the DL.
Tradewinds
A light breeze is heading out in search of nibbles, seeking some relief pitching (STRONG relief pitching)...
Written by Jeremy Chrabascz