The Hartford Whalers are in the midst of a 4-game losing streak and have won
only 2 of their last 10 games. Miraculously clinging to a .5 game lead in the
McCoy Division, the Whalers are desperately looking for an answer to their
prayers. The slump began when it seemed everyone and anyone became injured and
was on the DL and the only offensive player producing was the aged Joe Carter
at DH.
The shot in the arm Hartford is looking for could come Thursday and the timing
couldn't be better. Among the injured were starter Tony Saunders (LHP) and
Matt Williams (3B), both integral parts of the Whale machine. Both players
will return to the active lineup completely healthy on Thursday. This could be
exactly what the doctor ordered as Williams is sure to provide an offensive
spark and has gladly spear-headed leadership responsibilities in the clubhouse.
Meanwhile, stand-in pitchers such as Boehringer, Brandenberg, Ardell and Sele
have struggled in the absence of Maddux, Wakefield, Saunders and Eldred.
Saunders' return should give the starting 5 a lift and take some of the
pressure off. Saunders was 3-1 with an ERA under 2 when he went down.
Of his teams troubles and turns, Manager Chrabascz simply said, "Sometimes
you're the dog and sometimes you're the tree. Lately we've been the tree."
This pessimistic attitude, although understandable, may be a tad mellowdramatic
as the Whale still stands in first place.
But, being 3-10 against non-divisional opponents, the return of Saunders and
Williams surely can't hurt and Chrabascz is out of ideas for the lineups by
now.
