10B
Friday, August 30, 1996
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
Baseball's wild card not such a wild idea
Leagues enter thrilling times
By Ben Walker
AP Baseball Writer
Just wondering, but what happened to those people who worried that the wild card idea would wreck baseball?
One month left to go, and what a month it should be. At least 16 teams are still in playoff contention — thanks to the once-dreaded wild card — plus the New York Yankees are trying to avoid one of the biggest collapses ever.
"A lot of people thought it was going to be like hockey, but it hasn't gotten to that," Los Angeles shortstop Greg Gagne said. "I think there are a lot of fans in a lot of cities that wouldn't be as interested in baseball if there wasn't the wild card."
"There's a lot of excitement about it in a lot of cities. Maybe that's what's quieted the critics," he said. "I was sort of a purist. Get the top two teams in the divisions, and let
them go at it. But it gives teams in a tough division a chance."
Along with the pennant races, the individual chases;
Albert Belle is aiming for 50 home runs again, which is what it will take to beat out Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey Jr., Andres Garraraga and others trying to win the homer title.
Alex Rodriguez is in line to become the youngest MVP ever at 21. Andy Pettitt and Pat Hentgen are dueling for the AL Cy Young Award, and debates about the managers of the year are wide open.
- Perhaps a couple of late moves, like the one this week in which the already pitching-rich Atlanta Braves outbid their World Series rival Cleveland Indians for starter Denny Neagle of Pittsburgh, and the possibility of a long-awaited labor settlement between players and owners.
All in all, it adds up to maybe one of the most thrilling months in recent memory. And much of it is because of the wild card races, which may give the likes of Frank Thomas, Roger Clemens and Henry Rodriguez — All-Stars whose teams might have dropped out of sight otherwise — a chance to play into October.
Not bad, considering how many people hated the concept of a wild card.
It will diminish what the regular season means, some claimed. It will drag out the playoffs forever, others said.
Well, considering last year's drama in the AL series between the wildcash Yankees and Seattle and this year's scramble in both leagues, there aren't too many complaints anymore, are there?
Rodriguez, who has set a Montreal
record with 33 home runs, is glad last year's wild-card experiment stuck around. The Expos went into the weekend trailing the Braves by more than 10 games in the NL East, but they were at the top of the wild-card pack.
"I don't know why people last year were crying about it and saying negative things," Rodriguez said. "Maybe they didn't understand it, didn't understand how the wild card race would work. This year I think everyone is comfortable with it, everybody understands it, and everybody likes it.
"We have a good team, but we've been competing for the wild card all year. We know Atlanta is going to be up there, and the wild card is our only chance. They're 11 games ahead of us, but we still have one of the best records."
The Dodgers are close in the races for the NL West title and for the wild card. Reliever Todd Worrell said having an extra playoff spot was good for the game.
"It's the same thing with anything that's new," he said. "The first time you have to make an adjustment and accept change, there's always going to be some resistance. But I think it proved out to be more positive than negative."
The Boston Red Sox know it. Once thought to be completely out of any contention, which led to speculation that they might trade Clemens, their comeback from a 17-game deficit in the AL East began when they took aim at the wild-card spot.
Helped by a surge in which they won 22 of 28 and with the Yankees' ongoing slump, the Red Sox closed within six games of New York for the division title and within two of Baltimore for the wild card.
"It makes it fun and makes it interesting," Red Sox outfielder Mike Greenwell said. "That's what you play for — a shot at either winning your division or making the playoffs, and we've got a shot right now. We couldn't have said that a month ago."
The Yankees, meanwhile, merely are trying to hang on and avoid a repeat of California's collapse in the AL West last year. The 12-game edge they once held against the Orioles was trimmed to four, and the Yankees are facing a week at home in mid-September in which they will play Baltimore three times and Boston four times.
New York is coming off a threegame sweep at the Kingdome that included a brawl in Wednesday night's 10-2 loss to Seattle. David Cone's return from surgery in May for an aneurysm in his right shoulder may even be pushed up a few days to this weekend.
"We'll find out if this club is together," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "Right now, though, we're just not pitching through a game, and we're not hitting to our capability."
Gubicza rehabilitates prepares for season
The Associated Press
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The last thing Mark Gubicza wants as he rehabilitates his broken leg is for anyone to say he won't be back next year in Kansas City's starting rotation.
if the Royals made the playoffs, he'd be in October.
"Everything will be normal," Gubicza said. "I'll do my normal work over the winter. I'll be ready to go. I'll pitch again."
When Paul Moliitor's line drive hit him in the leg on July 5, the 34-year-old right-hander was having the worst season of his career with a 4-12 record and a 5.13 ERA. Since then, he's had plenty of time to read, watch television and contemplate a career he's certain isn't over yet.
If the Royals re-sign Tim Belcher, that would probably mean four starters were already set — Belcher, Kevin Appier, Chris Haney and rookie sensation Jose Rosado. Gubicza could then be battling about four others, including up-and-coming
"I watched a lot of National League games on TV because we'll be playing them in interleague play next year. I wanted to get a feel for how to pitch to those guys," said Gubicza, a member of the Royals rotation since his rookie year in 1984 and the only member of the 1985 World Series champions still on the team. "I kept myself occupied."
prospect Jim Pittsley, for the fifth spot.
"I've never been scared to compete with anybody," said Gubicza, who became the Royals all-time strikeout leader earlier this year. "It will be an interesting spring. My family enjoyed having me around this summer. But they still want me to be out there pitching."
After Molitor's line drive broke the bone in his leg, Gubicza spent about three weeks not having any fun.
"At first, it wasn't all that painful. I still had the adrenaline of the game going," he said. "But the next day it was pretty bad. I wouldn't want to have to go through those first three weeks again."
Last week he had a walking cast put on the leg. He's almost well.
"Now I'm able to ride the bike, walk around without crutches and do a little body work," he said. "It feels good. I ride the bike 25 or 30 minutes a day, and exercise my shoulder and make sure it's in shape and ready to go. There's no pain at all."
When the Royals return from the 10-game road trip they start tonight in Detroit, Gubicza will be almost as good as new.
"I'll be throwing the ball and shagging around pretty soon," he said. "When the guys come back from the road trip, I'll be pretty much a normal ballplayer again.
"Ihope so anyhow."
Feeling groovy
George V. Nostrand, whose stage name is George by George, plays his guitar in front of Malott Hall. Nostrand is back from recording in Minneapolis and played outside yesterday in preparation to go back on the road soon.
Edmée Rodriguez / KAN3AN
HOROSCOPES
Today's Birthday
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
Focus on other people's money and you'll bring more into your pocket. Find something pretty to sell in September. Take out a loan to replace an old household item — or to fix up an old house — in December. Romantic dreams come true the old-fashioned way in January.
Virgin (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
Today is a 7. A friend may consult you about money problems, Suggest an opportunity, but don't fall for a sob story. A kick in the right direction may be all that's required. Your true love could teach you a valuable lesson. Save time for that.
Today is a 4. The pressure you've been under will ease soon. Meanwhile, you still have to color within the lines. Consider it a learning experience, which it is. If a loved one stubbornly insists, acquiesce. You have a better chance of winning that way.
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21)
Today is an 8. If you get into a jam today, call reinforcements. A teammate may not want to follow your agenda. If enough of your friends back you, you may get what you want anyway. Take the offensive! You shouldn't have any trouble in romance. You're particularly compelling today.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Today is a 6. The pressure's still on,
but it's getting better. You may have finally proven you can do what you said you would, without supervision. If you haven't, that's the goal. Tonight, physical exercise is recommended. You've got energy to burn.
Today is a 7. You are sharp as a tack today. Although you still don't have as much money as you'd like, you should be able to get closer to a big goal.
Capricorn (Dec, 22-Jan, 19)
Capitolium (Dec. 22, 19)
Today is an 8. A problem at home demands your attention. If you don't know what it is, take care not to create one. Also, be careful of sharp objects and people with hot tempers.
A spontaneous trip might be a good way to avoid confrontation.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Write down your intentions with passion and irrefutable logic. But first, make sure your data's accurate.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Today is a 6. Keep an eye on your valuables today. For example, don't walk away with your wallet on the counter. Spontaneous activity could be expensive! To increase your income, do something you were doing before. Use your experience and your old contacts.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
NO
Today is a 7. Instead of arguing with reality, use this extra shot of adrenaline to achieve a level of excellence you've only imagined. A stellar performance today will not be forgotten. Unfortunately, neither will an angry
outburst. Self control is the key.
**Taurus** (April 20-May 20)
Today is an 8. If you're in retail, expect your customers to be in a hurry. Prepare so you'll be ready.
Also, be careful in traffic. Don't let another person's emergency become your problem. Your mate has plans for the evening. Go along quietly.
Gemini (May 21-June 21)
Today is an 8. A friend might try to talk you into doing something outrageous. If it doesn't conflict with work or school, and it's not too expensive, fine. Remember that a real friend would never ask you to do anything unethical. If in doubt, don't do it.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Today is a 7. Confusion in the workplace could be to your advantage. If there's information you need, ask a person who's under pressure. Use new skills to push through an awkward situation. Don't try to figure it out. Just do what you've been taught.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)
Today is an 8. Travel is favored today but it may be difficult to accomplish. Finances are short, and responsibilities are heavy. Maybe travel planning is a better idea, unless you're lucky enough to be on vacation. Go along with your roommate's wishes to save time.
Note: Horoscopes have no basis in scientific fact and should be read for entertainment only.
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