Montreal Plays Host to Deadwood 1/2-Game Back June 24, 1999
The 3-game series against Deadwood couldn't have come at a better time for
the Royals. They are only 1/2 game back of the division-leading Outlaws,
and are eager to extend their 4-game winning streak after sweeping the
Hartford Whalers.
One of the 3 games is already sold out. Obviously, the fans are hungry for
a win. A series win for the Royals will give them first place honours in
the McCoy division.
There is old saying in baseball that the team leading by the All-Star break
will win the division title at the end of the year. That has little truth
to it, but if the Royals can head into July with the Outlaws on their tails
it will be a big confidence booster for the rest of the season.
"We're legit, no question," said Greer, who's putting up MVP numbers and
hitting a robust .387. "Our pitching staff now is among the best in
baseball. Deadwood has the big names but we are solid all around."
Depth. Only a couple years ago, the Montreal Royals could not be related to
depth. Their offense was thin as a saltine cracker. But veterans Tim
Raines, Danny Tartabull, Bobby Bonilla and Gary Gaetti fill the bench.
The projected matchups for the series against Deadwood:
Thursday, June 24 Pete Harnisch (4-4, 3.52) vs. Greg Maddux (5-5, 3.83)
Friday, June 25 Rheal Cormier (7-3, 2.77) vs. Jeff Fassero (7-4, 5.54)
Saturday, June 26 Mike Grace (9-4, 2.43) vs. Paul Spoljaric (4-5, 3.34)
For Deadwood, a team stocked with sure-fire veterans, some unlikely heroes
have emerged over the course of the season.
Brad Fullmer, the firstbaseman rookie, is batting .301 with 10 home runs,
and is on pace for a 85-RBI season. Scott Brosius, acquired in a mid-season
trade, has 12 home runs in only 54 games. Jose Rijo, who has a lifetime
4.07 ERA is 5-3 with a 2.67 ERA in 15 appearances. And Travis Fryman, the
quiet infielder, is having a breakthrough year with 44 RBIs and 13 home
runs.
"I'd say the only problem with that team is that it is a team of stars, but
no superstars," said Royals manager Gary Carter. "They don't have someone
to lead the team."
McCoy Notes
* The GM who can't stay put, Chrabascz, is looking for solutions to
Hartford's slide. Stay tuned for some more shake ups in the organization.
Rumor has it the bench coach won't have his job much longer.
* There is one bright light in Hartford: Mark McGwire. McGwire is looking
to break the home run record set by Bobby Higginson in 1998. Despite two
sluggers on the team--Galaragga and McGwire who have 18 and 28 home runs
respectively--run scoring continues to be a problem for the Whalers.
* Edmonton's offense is one of the least dynamic in the league, which is
sad because they have a lot of young players. They are 4th-worst in stolen
bases and have only one player (Rodriguez) batting over .300. Their power
hitting is starting to emerge in Salmon, Cruz Jr., Clark, Hundley and
Rodriguez, but it remains to be seen whether they can put it all together.
* Little-known prospect Jay Powell is having an incredible year in the pen.
The Edmonton reliever has a 1.42 ERA in 19 innings pitched.
* With Spider Monahan placed on the DL, the search for the everyday
firstbaseman continues for the Montreal Royals. Calgary slugger Frank
Thomas has reportedly come up in discussions.
