Moncton Looses Rookie for Season September 9, 1999
Washington, DC (AP) - The Moncton Moose are on a tear. They are 9 - 1
in thier last ten and are now only four games under .500. Two weeks ago
the team was last in the Data division and at their best were 12 games
under .500, now they are third in the Data and have a chance at a
winning season. "With all that has happened to this franchise over the
last year, it is hard to beleive that we all came togother as a team
like this." said longtime Moose Kevin Elster about the team's chemistry.
Their most recent wins came against division leader and league
powerhouse Washington Sea Dogs. "It was nice to win two games in their
house, it gives us confidence that we could fight for a playoff spot in
this tough division next year..." said recently aquired reliver Joe
Hetrick, who got the win after four string innings of relief work in the
first game agaist Washington. "...But it's a shame about Mark, this
being his first year and all."
What he is refering to is the injury to the 22 year old rookie Mark
Mulder. Mulder was pitching very weel until the fifth inning. He hit
Washington center fieder Devon White on his thigh, fortunately, White
suffered no long term injuries. White was infuriated and charged the
mound, throughing his helmet at Mulder. The helmet hit Mulder on his
shoulder and and the lefty immediately fell to the ground in pain.
White continued to hit Mulder while he was down.
Moose owner Marc Gagnon has sent a tape of the incident to the league
officials, but no ruling yet of any suspensions. Mulder later learnt
that he had several bone chips in his left shoulder, his pitching
shoulder, and doctors have recommended he not pitch for at least three
to four months.
Of course, this does make an opening in the rotation for someone to
possibly show that they could start next year. Gagnon decided to give
the spot to 22 year old Hal Cruz. The righty started a few games for the
Moose at the beginging of the season, with little succses. "We hope
this time around he'll show us his stuff which we know he has". AJ
Sager, the usual 6th starter was enraged by this decision. "I've put
lot of effort into this team, or two years I pitched my ass off, and
this is how they repay me". Sager's playing time has steadily decreased
over the season, it is not expected that he will return to the big
league club next year.
