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In another heart-breaking injury for troubled Vero Beach, star first baseman Jeff King ruptured a disc in his back and will be out for at least 4 months, missing the remainder of the season. King ends the season leading the team in hits, home runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and runs created, and tied for the team lead in triples and walks. He ends up with a .373 average, 57 RBIs, and 18 home runs in 73 games.
"Jeff is an integral part of this team and will be sorely missed," lamented team owner J. Lee Gohlke. "I hope this doesn't jeopardize our playoff chances. Our trades this season for Marquis Grissom and Gregg Jefferies look even bigger now. I hope Gregg can fill the hole at first base and Marquis can produce the runs that Jeff has been producing. Still, Jeff's reliability--no, his excellence--at first and in the lineup is something you really can't replace."
The Bums still have 5 active .300 hitters. Earlier, leadoff hitter and shortstop Omar Vizquel was placed on the injured list after breaking a bone in his foot. King took over as leadoff hitter after Vizquel went on the DL. "Our leadoff spot must be cursed," speculated Gohlke, shaking his head. "I'm worried about whoever I put in that spot next."
When King is placed on the DL, the Bums will have four players on that list as well as 3 players with day-to-day injuries and one additional player out. Barney Berres, a 29-year-old rookie reliever with good numbers at the start of the season, should be back this week. However, he may not have much of a role left due to the strength of the Bums' bullpen. He could fit into a long relief role due to the ineffectiveness of Bill Goldsmith, despite Berres' endurance (which is suited more to a setup role). "I'm willing to try anything at this point, including make a trade," said Gohlke.
The Bums are currently in a 3-game losing streak, losing today 11-3 to Phoenix's Jack McDowell in Vero Beach. The Bums previously lost 2 to Binghamton. The Bums' lead in the Picard Division is now just 1 game over Binghamton.
Written by Jason Gohlke