|
|
By a score of 8-4, the Vero Beach Bums defeated the Atlanta Knights in Atlanta for the third straight time, extending their current winning streak to five. Third baseman Dave Hollins sat out the game, putting Omar Vizquel and Jeff King in unfamiliar spots in the field--first and third base, respectively. However, the Bums committed no errors.
Again, Ron Gant led the way for the Bums, with 3 hits and 3 RBI in five tries at the plate. Vizquel was a triple short of hitting for the cycle, with a single, 2 doubles, and a home run, as well as 2 RBIs.
Reliever John Hayes picked up his second win for the Bums by pitching 3 nearly flawless innings, including 3 strikeouts and one walk. Starter Kevin Ritz struggled in 4 innings, giving up 4 runs and 3 walks with just one strikeout. "It's been tough coming back from the disabled list, but I don't have any excuses. I'm glad Hayes was there to bail me out." Again Chris Hammond and Terrell Wade proved reliable in the bullpen, finishing off the game without giving up a run, despite not being in a save situation.
Strangely enough, trade rumors seemed to surround the Bums and Knights after the game. One possible deal involved Hayes, recently struggling DH Pete Incaviglia, newly acquired CF Steve Gibralter, and journeyman pitcher Dennis Rasmussen going to Atlanta for CF Ernie Young, 1B Gregg Jefferies, and backup catcher Larry Gulden, as well as former major leaguer Doug Jones.
"If that's true, I can't [expletive] believe it," exclaimed Hayes. "I've done all that J. Lee [Gohlke, Bums owner/GM/manager/dishwasher] has asked me to do since I've been here--I've pitched out of the bullpen and won a couple games. I guess I can deal with the prospect of starting again, but at least I could have been warned." Incaviglia was less steamed than Hayes. "Well, I've been around the league, and wherever I play, I'll try to contribute. I didn't like the brown uniforms anyway." If the deal indeed goes through, Al Pechous or Gregg Jefferies may replace Incaviglia as the DH. Gohlke had no official comment.
An unnamed source within the Vero Beach organization commented, "Well, no one really expected a shakeup like this, but Atlanta needed pitching and was willing to give up quite a bit. This gives us a bit more flexibility in the lineup and a chance to give more guys a rest." The source also indicated that Vero Beach might be willing to trade for another starting pitcher, with possible logjams in centerfield and first base.
If this trade is processed right away, it might be completed in time for the fourth game of this series, giving the next game for Vero Beach and Atlanta a new look.
Written by Jason Gohlke