(AP) Edmonton- Just when the party was starting(perhaps a bit too
prematurely?)the euphoria has turned into panic. The once mighty Oil
King lead over Division Rivals once sat at 9 Games. Today that lead has
dwindled to just 2, over the surging Deadwood Outlaws. The recent 3 game
losing streak has brought out many weaknesses in this young ball club.
Is the pitching strong enough? Acquiring Ace Chuck Finley has helped,
but the rest of the rotation-Rosado, Dickson, Foster, and Rogers have
faltered. Then there is the Salmon saga. This has been Tim Salmon's
worst season as a pro. Even leadoff man, Joey Cora, has more RBI's than
Salmon. With the recent power showing by RF Vladdie Guerrero, Salmon's
days as an Oil King look to be numbered, unless he can turn things
around in the final 50 games and help this team to a Pennant. "No
question about it, we need Salmon's bat. Right now, he's struggling.
Perhaps a change of scenery would help the guy." GM Sculac has been
shopping Salmon all season, but has not yet made the deal. Will the Oil
Kings hang on? Or will they slide into obscurity and become just another
.500 ball club? Tim Salmon could have a huge say in the matter.
