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Greg Maddux was handed only his second loss of the season today after his worst performance of the season. Maddux allowed 8 earned runs in a couple of innings of work as Cockeysville pounded Hartford 21-3. Chrabascz said this of the game, "Personally, I don't think Greg should've taken the mound and we'll have to evaluate how that happened. He obviously hadn't fully recovered from his injury." When questioned, Maddux disagreed, "Nah. The (rotator) cuff felt fine this morning and the doctors and trainers okayed me. Face it guys, I blew it. I had a bad game. It happens even to me. That doesn't mean I have to like it, though." Maddux's PVBL leading ERA skyrocketed to 1.51 from 0.69 Chrabascz doesn't appear worried, however, "He's still our ace and he's still the greatest pitcher in baseball. He'll start in five days."
The Whalers salvaged the second game, edging the Crazies 9-8 on stupendous relief from Jeff McCurry (3-0) who picked up another win. Ben McDonald received yet another no decision. Ken Griffey Jr. continued his superb hitting while Tony Gwynn homered.
Things have gone from bad to worse for the Whalers sinced their tremendous start. The Whalers have been roughly a .500 team the past month or so and their division lead has slipped to 2.0 over Deadwood. The addition of Palmiero and the return of Griffey have been their saving grace, however pitching has been their downfall.
In response to the recent trend in poor pitching and letting games slip away, Hartford responded by sending the call out to all PVBL owners that all trades would be considered. Today, the first of possibly many trades, went through with Larimer.
The Whalers sent Paul Sorrento, Howie Paulette and Dan Davis to Colorado for Cal Eldred, Jack Broskie and Harold Reynolds. Chrabascz commented on the anticipated move, "Well, it's no secret that we've been shopping Sorrento ever since Palmiero came to town. We're simply not convinced that he could sustain his outstanding numbers here. Not to mention, his enormous amount of fielding errors have literally lost at least 4 or 5 games single-handedly for us. We're extremely happy to get Cal. He got tanked in Colorado but should settle down here as should Broskie. We really needed a lefty (Broskie). As far as Reynolds go, well, we never really WANTED to let him go. He brings a lot of intensity and leadership to the club and we're extremely pleased to have him come home. He'll give our infield great depth and our bench invaluable leadership and fire."
Paul Sorrento, although unsurprised, wasn't pleased about the trade, "Personally, I don't think Hartford got enough for me. It just shows how much value I had to them. I knew something was up when they went out and got Rafael Palmiero. Stupid ass***es. Let's hope I hit another 30hr in that thin air."
Cal Eldred was reached via airphone on his way to Hartford, "Well, I wasn't doing much in Colorado, obviously. I knew a trade was coming. I am extremely happy to be heading to a contender. Not to mention, I've always wanted to play alongside such greats as Griffey and Gwynn. This could be the change I needed." Eldred also went on to mention how he was hoping to get in touch soon with Ben McDonald, his former Milwaukee Brewers teammate, with whom he would be reunited.
Unfortunately, Eldred may not get the chance to play with Gwynn after all. It is rumored that Gwynn is headed out in a trade with Washington for Chad Ogea. We'll keep you posted.
Hartford would like to reitterate that they are still attempting to traded for more pitching and are hoping to send out 3B Scott Brosius (a .300 hitter with power).
Written by Jeremy Chrabascz