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(AP) Hartford- The Hartford Whalers fell to 12-12 in non-divisional play today as the Galena Hamsters avoided a sweep with a 10-7 victory at Travellers Park. Although Galena's starter, Tom Glavine, got tanked by allowing 7 earned runs in 4 2/3, Hartford came up short as its bullpen faltered yet again. Aaron Sele allowed 5 runs in 4 innings of work in only his third start as a Whaler. However, 2 of those runs were the result of an error by first baseman Paul Sorrento (who also went 0-3 on the day). Sele gave way to Bob Ardell and Rick Huisman who each allowed 4 earned runs. Huisman (3-2) picked up the loss as Galena's Clingman (1-1) pitched 4 1/3 near-perfect innings for the his first win of the season. Sorrento's and the bullpen's failures overshadowed another spectacular effort by center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr. Junior went 3 for 5 with a 2-run homer and a stolen base. He has been nothing short of amazing since his return from the DL. He has returned to the top 5 in EL hitting in fewer at bats than most.
Today's game clearly frustrated the Whalers. Interim manager, Catherine Chrabascz attempted to take the blame, "I didn't prepare them well enough in practice. It's my fault. I certainly should've left Sele out there longer with a chance to correct himself and Ardell came in too cold. I'm learning, I guess." Upon hearing his manager's comments, Paul Sorrento was irate, "That's crap! She's done a great job. I (expletive) up today's game! Without my error, Sele would've stayed in and it would've been only a 1-run deficit. My defense has simply sucked pondwater this season. Thank God for my bat." Aaron Sele had little to say following his third opportunity to start, "I haven't had good stuff since I've been here." Despite Sele's lack of confidence, word did some down from the home office to say that Sele would assuredly remain the 5th starter in the rotation for now. Jeremy Chrabascz, recovering from surgery, commented from his home, "Sele has great potential and is just a little down. He hasn't been given much opportunity to win here yet. We've overworked him on ocassion and we've provided him poor run support and defense. He'll get better as long as he stays here." Chrabascz clearly hinted that the search remains for another solid starting pitcher.
News & Notes
TRADES (URGENT...ATTENTION)
The Whalers are still quite anxious to trade for a solid starting pitcher (#2or #3). No one is apparently safe from being put on the block other than Palmiero, Griffey and Maddux. Hartford has mumbled a few pitchers it is seriously interested in acquiring; Bobby Jones (Macon), Cal Eldred & Tim Davis (Larimer), Steve Avery (Austin) as well as Dickson (Edmonton), Witt (Chicago), Torres (DC), Cormier (?) & Quantrill (?). Hartford is aware that Macon and Larimer both could use power which Hartford has a surplus of.
To lick a few lips, Hartford wants it known that the following people are now possible trade fodder: 3B Scott Brosius, LF Daryl Strawberry and SS Kurt Abbott. That is, along with the previously mentioned Sorrento, Gwynn and Whiten.
All SERIOUS offers considered.
Written by Jeremy Chrabascz