RMJ 125 June 20

FRIDAY, JUNE 20 ● Houston, vs Cubs

Cubby came by at 2:00. He brought Chief over to play with Vesta and Babe. Babe is four months old, and she is really getting big. Swimming in the lake with Chief and wrestling with Vesta is the only thing that keeps her shapely, however.

I have never seen a dog more voracious. If Vesta leaves her food unguarded, even briefly, Babe is right there to finish it off. Then she sleeps like a baby.

It’s a dog’s life.

I was feeling a little dog-eared, myself. We are trying everything in creation to get a winning streak going.  Luis was quoted in the paper as saying, “I don’t care as much about keeping the streak going as us getting one going as a team.”

A typical comment by Gonzo. The difference is, he means it.

 

Tonight we were lucky on both fronts: Luis got his hit, and we got the win, 7-3.

Darryl Kile was tough again. He didn’t have great command of his pitches, but he still held the Cubs to three runs in seven innings. Bagwell and Bell homered. José Lima finished up in good style. It was a welcome win — especially for me, as I have been getting some bad vibrations.

We played uninspired baseball against the Twins and the Royals. I had no idea what the schizophrenic Cubs would bring to the Dome. And I had no idea why Gerry came by my office after the game with a grim face.

“We’ve got some problems,” he said. “Do you know about Montgomery?” he asked.

I said that I was aware that he had a sore elbow and shoulder. I did not think it was serious.

“The doctor thinks he might have a partial tear in his shoulder. If you had played him tonight, he wouldn’t have been able to throw.”

I had talked with Dave Labossiere, and he said that Montgomery could play if we needed him. I didn’t think Dave would forget to mention a player not being able to throw.

That was only part of our problem. Russ Springer was examined by the doctor as well. He is going on the disabled list too.

Vern came in, and we talked about possible replacements. We settled on John Hudek, who has been throwing well for Matt Galante in New Orleans. In addition, there is some concern that Chris Holt’s sore shoulder is getting worse, or at least not getting better. Holt is supposed to pitch tomorrow. Then Hampton. Things still look a little shaky.

At least we are at home. If we’re going to get a streak going, it will likely be here in the Dome.