Randy Johnson and Mark Portugal are still healthy, but the Royals will face another pitcher shortage in August. Starting pitcher Pete Harnisch was placed on the DL after he was diagnosed with a inflamed bicep.
The Royals, while they continue to win most of their series out in Kirkland (not the Montreal region), they are incapable of climbing in the standings. In the past few weeks, the Oil Kings and the Royals have almost traded win for win.
Jose Mesa, their most reliable reliever in July, has yet to get a save in August, when they need it most. "I save is only a statistic," says manager Gary Carter. "He has still given us the outings we've needed of him."
Trade Winds
General Manager Peter Carbonetto has been investigating trades with a few clubs, but talks are tenative, despite the looming trade deadline ahead. But the need to increase the depth of the pitching is urgent. Two of their starting pitchers, Pete Harnisch and Salomon Torres, are out for the rest of the season, and reliever Steve Cooke will be on the DL for another 2 weeks.
"A blockbuster deal is out of the question," comments GM Carbonetto. "We just don't have the talent available with all the injuries. We need some reliable pitching, right away. We don't have much to offer, so we may have to put a blind eye to the long-term viability of a trade."
IN OTHER WORDS: We are looking for some quality starting/relief from teams that can afford to put a hole in their pitching (i.e. teams that have no playoff hopes). We will be looking at any offers as long as they realistic.
