The Whalers won by the same score today, 3-2, over the Edmonton Oil Kings on
the road. The win completed a sweep of the short, 2-game series. Kevin Brown
(1-0) picked up his first win of the season, pitching a complete game while
allowing only 2 earned runs. Jason Dickson (0-1) pitched marvelously for
Edmonton as well but in another losing, low-scoring effort by the Oil Kings.
Dickson allowed only 2 earned runs in 8 innings of work. Veteran and soon to
be backup 3B, Ryne Sandberg was the hero for Hartford as he belted a 2-run
homerun. Recently acquired rookie OF, Socks Byrne, went 0-3 with a strikeout
and a walk. 3B Matt Williams should make his debut in the second game of the
upcoming Montreal series. Hartford returns home to host the visiting Royals
for a 3-game set tomorrow.
Manager Jeremy Chrabascz has finally set his new pitching rotation. It will
begin the season as follows: Greg Maddux, Kevin Brown, Tony Saunders, Carlos
Castillo and Bob Ardell.
Rookie Cunnane will see regular action in relief while Kevin Millwood has been
assigned to AAA for the time being until such point as he can see some real
major league action. Pitching coach Dennis Lamp didn't feel Millwood was quite
ready, mentally, for the Big Show. However, Cunnane came well-prepared from
Spokane and could crack the starting rotation at some point.
Veteran hurler Cal Eldred is reportedly upset about playing another relief/6th
starter role for the Whalers and has made his opinions known to the club and to
all local media outlets. No response has been received from the organization
yet.
The Whalers officially have closed off all trade talks with all clubs until
further notice.
