The Atlanta Constitution from Atlanta, Georgia • 98

F-6 Slic Atlanta 3mtntal AND CONSTITUTION JULY 14, 1990 BASEBALL THE BRAVES AUTO KG Grant wants to close doubts about ability Charlotte chairman planning to buy AIR Offer expected to be accepted if 'A 1 -t fc 7 'V Giants general manager Al Rosen's doghouse early in his career. Rosen said Grant possessed' "a $1 million arm and a 10-cent head." Infuriated by the description, Grant fashioned a homemade headband stenciled with "10-cent head" and sought a meeting with Rosen. The two parted amicably when Grant was traded to San Diego in 1987 as part of the deal that brought Kevin Mitchell to the Giants. Grant has had difficulty. When resorting to power, he has been branded unwilling to become a complete pitcher.

When he has dabbled with a different approach, he has been called a free spirit with little sense of direction. "When I first came up, I didn't know how to pitch," conceded Grant, who made his debut in the major leagues at 20. "Everything was fastball, fastball, fastball. I think I'm still learning. But if I knew then what I know now, things may have been a little different." Grant matured under Padres pitching coach Pat Dobson last year.

He mastered an off-speed pitch to set up his 90-mph fastball and walked only 32 in 116V3 innings. He also had the league's sixth-best ratio of double plays induced. Grant appeared in SO games as a set-up specialist for Cy Young winner Mark Davis and amassed a 8-2 record, including 5-1 with a 2.45 ERA away from Jack Murphy Stadium. An uneven start this season left him with an anonymous role on a degenerating club. "I just want to pitch," Grant said.

By Joe Strauss Staff writer Mark Grant has worn many labels during a still-fresh major league career. With his third team at age 26, he will be given a new tag by the Atlanta Braves: closer. When the Braves acquired Grant from the San Diego Padres Thursday for Derek Lilliquist, they based the move on Grant's largely untapped potential and their own need for a powerful closer. "I wanted to be one of the good young studs coming up," said Grant, a first-round draft pick in 1981 who pitched one scoreless inning in his Braves' debut Thursday night. "I don't know what the reason was, but it just never seemed to happen." The Braves scouted Grant heavily the past three weeks.

In their 11 -inning, 11-10 win over the Padres June 24, Grant pitched 1 strong innings in relief of short-lived starter Bruce Hurst. The timing of the appearance the Padres trailed 5-2 in the second inning when he entered illustrated his lowly status in then-manager Jack McKeon's bullpen. "The more we looked, the more we liked," said manager Bobby Cox. "When he came in that Sunday, we told our guys to bear down even more." Grant has always been renowned for his powerful arm. Drafted by San Francisco, he rose rapidly through the Giants system as a starting pitcher.

But self-described as "a good-natured guy. I don't get mad easily," Grant fell into 1 Bill Elliott Takes pole in Washington Elliott on pole as 98-mph lap tops West field From wire reports MONROE, Wash. Bill Elliott broke his own 4-year-old track record Friday to claim the pole position for Sunday's $103,500 Motorcraft 500 stock car race. The 1987 NASCAR Winston Cup champion, who won this event the same season, covered the oval at Evergreen Speedway in 23.656 seconds, 98.309 mph in a Ford Thunder-bird. Elliott's old record was 97.690 mph.

The existing standard, however, already had been broken when Elliott took his two qualifying laps. NASCAR West Series championship leader Bill Sedgwick, of Van Nuys, who'll start his Chevrolet Lumina second in Sunday's 500-lap event, was timed at 97.718 mph. Third fastest in the time trials was West series rookie Mike Chase, of Bakersfield, in a Buick Regal, in 97.673 mph. By Bill Robinson Staff writer Bruton Smith, chairman of the board of Charlotte Motor Speedway, announced his intentions Friday to buy Atlanta International Raceway (AIR) in Hampton, Ga. A statement released by AIR indicated that track officials expect the offer to be accepted.

It is subject to approval by the board of directors, shareholders and NASCAR. Smith, a Charlotte businessman, described AIR, with its 1 V4-mile track, as a "diamond in the rough." "I think we're going to make folks proud," said Smith. "I hope people believe I'll do the right thing there and just make it a much, much better place for the fans and the competitors." The offer for the 502-acre facility is for about $16 million. Smith on Friday submitted a "letter of intent" which did not include a price. Walter Nix of Buford and L.G.

DeWitt of Ellerbe, N.C., own approximately 90 percent of AIR. A handful of other investors, including Smith, own the remaining 10 percent. Nix, AIR's board chairman, and DeWitt, the track president, have been in failing health. Last Wednesday, after being admitted to a Southern Pines, N.C., hospital, DeWitt, 73, suffered a stroke. AIR is the site of two NASCAR events each year.

The Mo-torcraft 500 was on March 18. Its next event is The Atlanta Journal 500 on Nov. 18, Winston Cup's last event of the season. The Journal 500 has decided the Winston Cup driver points championship the last two years. In 1976, Smith took over CMS, which has since become a showcase for NASCAR, drawing upwards of 160,000 for its Coca-Cola 600 in late May.

AIR was built in 1960. But, plagued by rain, 17 of the track's first 23 events were postponed beause of rain some events as many as three times. AIR went into bankruptcy in 1970, and Nix shortly afterward guided the track to a modicum of prosperity. AIR had not declared a dividend in its 31-year-history. Smith has attempted to buy the track since February.

"Apparently something went a little wrong somewhere," he said. "But I thought all along that I would get it." Smith also owns three auto dealerships and a North-Carolina based company involved in insurance, real estate and finance. Jonathan NewtonStaff Mark Grant (pitching Thursday night) has had his share of ups and downs. Murphy ready to play despite cut on right side NOTEBOOK kiddie club. Murphy brought his six boys, who went through infield practice inside the Braves clubhouse.

By Joe Strauss Staff writer The Atlanta Braves did not escape Friday's rainout without an injury. While opening the door to his car during the 81-minute delay before the game was called off, right fielder Dale Murphy suffered a painful, half-inch gash in his right side. He is expected to be available for today's doubleheader. Murphy's mishap marked the second time an Atlanta player has been injured during a rain delay with Montreal. Second baseman Mark Lemke fell in the tunnel adjoining the clubhouse and dugout and severely sprained his right ankle May 28.

tentional) in 37 plate appearances. Rather than showing the discipline that enabled him to lead Richmond in walks, Kremers has shown a tendency to broaden his strike zone early in the count. "I've got to lay off some of the pitches I've been swinging at," Kremers said. "When I get in a game, I'm trying to do too much with each at bat. I've got to let it happen." Hitting instructor Clarence Jones has worked with Kremers on staying back on more pitches.

The desired result would be sharper hits to left field rather than the stream of ground balls and pop flies that have followed him so far. Kremers has been more comfortable behind the plate, where he has demonstrated a strong throwing arm and an ability to smother low pitches. A converted shortstop selected by the Braves in the second round of the 1988 draft, Kremers possesses the arm strength and quickness to pivot and throw accurately from his knees. He has so far caught two of 10 base stealers. Michael Andretti on Marlboro pole The Associated Press EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.

Michael Andretti wound up Friday's qualifying session with the provisional pole for Sunday's Marlboro Grand Prix, but with his engine in pieces. Andretti topped the opening round of time trials at New Jersey's Meadow-lands despite the failure of the Chevrolet engine in his Lola race car and another strong effort by Rick Mears. KREMERS STRUGGLES: Catcher Jimmy Kremers wants to believe he is undergoing a typically slow start at another level. But Kremers, who has platooned with Greg Olson since Bobby Cox took over as manager June 22, knows he has hurt himself with impatience. "I always seem to be down two strikes in the count," said Kremers.

"I'm swinging at a lot of high fastballs. I'm just not being patient. That's killing me right now. Instead of making them come to me, I'm going after them." Kremers is hitting .118 (4-for-34) in 12 games. His impatience is revealed through 15 strikeouts and only three walks (one in FATHER-SON GAME CANCELED: Rain forced the cancellation of the Braves father-son game Friday night.

Despite having the second-youngest roster in the major leagues, the Braves would not have had any trouble fielding a THE REPORT July 1 1n Montreal. It was the only game won by the Expos against Atlania In Olympic Stadium this season. Boyd brings a 3.17 ERA Ito his 1 7th start. In three starts against Atlanta, he has allowed two earned runs In 16 Innings (1 .13 ERA). '7 Thleyeen 33-48, 16 games behind.

Home; 17-24. Road: 16-24. Vi. Right-hander 17-36. Vt.

Lefl-handert: 16-12. Vs. NL Eatt: 20-23. Vl. NL WeM: 13-25.

One-run garnet: 10-11. Two-run garnet: 9-8. Emra-irming garnet: 2-4. Day: 7-11. Nght: 26-37.

Gratt: 22-36. Artificial tut 11-12. Garnet decided in left at-bat: 6-7. DouNeheedert: 1-1-2. Under Rust Ninon: 2540, Under Bobby Con 66.

Last yean 3346, 15 garnet behind UU ICR BUY A NEW TROOPER GET AN AUDIO VOX CELLULAR PHONE ALL NEW TROOPERS (retail value 395). Pay only '50 Installation I Dale Murphy it 7-(or-67 ffM llTO OFF ft $20 for antenna. OFFER GOOD TODAY ONLY! Subject to Bell South Mobility fees Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price American Radio restrictions. 6 month minimum service I Jeff Treadway hat seven home runt and 28 RBI in hit last 42 garnet, The Bravet are only 1820 when tconng first. Rett Gant it 24 for hit last 73 al bats (.329) with tin home runt and 18 RBI.

Tommy Oregg it J-lor-48 (.063) as a tlantr this season but it 9-for-29 (.310) wth two home runt and tight RBI at a pinch hitter. Oodlbe McDowell it 22 tor his lut 72 at-batt 306) covering 23 garnet. with Bell South Mobility required. NEW '90 NEW '90 LIGHTNING RIDER ISUZU SPACE r.vi.i:r.v;ji'nnj.rrffn NEW '90 ISUZU PICKUP SPORT TRUCK Mag wheels Stk. 115103 Stk 115159 Raised white letter tires Power steering e5-trjd.

t4-wheel disc brakes Batten Avg AS it 3B HP, Bl 6 Gam .317 262 50 83 19 1 17 40 10 Cabrera .306 36 2 11 1 0 1 5 1 Treadway .297 263 36 64 12 1 9 40 1 Olson .289 166 80 48 8 0 6 25 0 Blauser .286 168 23 46 11 1 4 17 0 Presley .270 296 36 80 21 0 11 42 0 L. Smith .268 209 28 56 10 4 5 19 6 Justice .256 164 24 42 10 1 6 20 4 McDowell .251 203 29 61 10 0 5 23 9 Thomat .226 133 14 30 3 0 3 11 2 Murphy .224 286 29 64 11 0 13 43 7 Esasky ,171 35 2 6 0 0 0 0 0 Lemke .171 76 9 13 4 0 0 6 0 Whit .169 71 7 12 5 0 2 6 0 Gregg .152 79 6 12 4 0 2 6 0 Kremert .118 34 3 4 1 0 0 0 0 Infante .036 28 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 Team .2472724336673 130 I SS 314 40 Mohan IRA tV If WW SB 10 Gm'K 0 0 0 00 0 1.0 1 0 0 0 3 Mercker 1 0 1 59 0 6 2 8 1 1 1 7 leibrandt 3 1 342 0 62 2 65 84 20 6 19 Qiavwe 6 6 376 1150115 55 48 39 72 Aveiy 1 3 4 23 0 27 2 30 18 13 17 16 Boevtr 1 3 438 6 390 34 20 19 32 34 Castillo 2 1 450 0 360 46 82 19 C'try 1 6 4.76 0 621 83 37 33 20 28 8mom 6 6 4 78 0 107 8 103 62 67 41 63 Smith 8 6 4 79 0 77.0 77 45 41 24 56 Hesketh 1 2 6 83 6 29 1 30 22 19 13 22 luecken 1 2 621 1 290 37 20-20 16 16 KerWd 3 3 6 67 8 29 2 34 82 28 24 29 Sltmon 3 teOO 8 70 16 16 14 4 7 Ricnitdt 0 0 2700 0 1 0 8 3 3 1 0 Teem 33 4ST00 11711.0777 438 39 282 Through Thursday game Rear anti-lock brakes Special graphics S-tpd. Rear anti-lock brakes Double wall cargo bed Tinted windows Forward facing ump teat 2 6L fuel injected engine S-spd. Tinted windows Double wall cargo bed HOME OF THE $5887 TRUCKI SALE SALE mo. Rebates retained by dealer.

To sale prices add tag, tax, title. 60 month closed end lease down, $125 security deposit, 1st payment, plus tag, tax, title due on delivery. Resldualof $1 825. WITH APPROVED CREDIT. Ad vehicles subject to prior sale.

mmmsaman juaetsaaaa Canst It John Smoltz (6-6) vs. Dennis Martinez (6-7). Smoltz enters In his best form ot the year. He Is on a 5-2 streak and has won three ol his past tour starts, during which he has allowed only eight earned runs In 32 Innings, a 2.21 ERA. He detested the Expos 6-3 with a five-hit, four-walk performance on Jury 2.

Martinez made the All-Star Game and pitched one Inning. He brings a losing record Into the game despite 2.64 ERA and allowing opponents only a .226 average. Martinez leads the league In Innings pitched with 130, an average 7v per start, The Braves beat him 4-2 on June 29 with a two-run seventh Inning. at Cam 2i.Charlie Lelbrandt (3-1) vs. Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd (4-3).

Lelbrandt enters his eighth start averaging 7'A Innings, best on the staff. His 3.42 ERA Is lowest among the team's starters. In his last start, Lelbrandt was tagged for six runs In 6V Innings by the New York Men. Lelbrandt did not allow a home run In his first 46'A Innings. He surrendered four home runs In the final 4V4 Innings against the Mets.

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