York Daily Record from York, Pennsylvania • 51

WtdnMday, April 3, 1091 0 OrIes9 Ywk Dalfy FUoord Roland Hemond, 61. is entering his fourth season as executive vice presidentge neral manager of the Baltimore Orioles. He has long been noted for his aggressive trading nature, having negotiated 123 deals involving 339 players. He pulled off 17 trades in his fir ft 17 months with the Orioles, and has now been involved in 28, including the January acquisition of Glenn Davis from Houston for Pete Harnisch, Steve Finley and Curt Schilling. Hemond spoke with Daily Record staff writer John Delcos last week about the upcoming season and the status of the with other organizations because they went about their work very professionally.

We attempt to get players who have that approach. I think theres a certain pride to wearing an Orioles uniform because of the rich tradition and fine ball clubs. It seems there is a certain mold if youre a player. What did the comeback attempt of Jim Palmer contribute to the pitching stafT and organization? I think it was a great boost for the entire organization to have Jim on the scene. It showed our young players how much it means to have a major league career, and how you can miss it once youre out of baseball.

Despite the fact that he didn't make it, having him in camp and watching him work was a tremendous lesson to our young pitchers. Guys like (Ben) McDonald and Mussina were all ears. They took a lot in and Im sure it will pay off throughout their careers. What is the status of Frank Robinsons contract? Its an automatic roll-over. Unless we make a change, hes to become a front office man.

We dont give it any thought with Frank. Hes done such a fine job with the ballclub since becoming manager. Were making steady progress in becoming a winning ballclub. I'd like to see Frank become a part of some championship managerial experiences. What is your assessment of the team heading into the season? Were looking forward to the coming season.

We feel that the addition of Glenn Davis and Dwight Evans helps our attack a great deal. Many of our young players are coming along to show maturity and improvement. With the type of club we have, I think we can compete well in the American League East this season. Looking back at the Davis trade. Was it an easy deal to complete? Did all the pieces fall together, or was it a long, drawn-out, time-consuming process? It was a long process.

It started in the fall and continued during the World Series. At the general managers' meeting there was some light discussion. It picked up in tempo prior to the Winter Meetings. Although it didnt appear we were doing a lot at the Winter Meetings, a great deal of time was spent talking to the Houston Astros. It continued on through the holidays and was finally consummated in January.

It was a difficult deal to make because other clubs were interested in acquiring Davis. We knew we had to give up some young talent for him, but we were pleased when it was finally completed. Did the free-agent signing of Dwight Evans veer from established team philosophy? Since we thought we could be a definite contender, we felt the best way to compete would be to improve our run-scoring ability. We were able to get men on base, but we were 13th in the league in scoring. Davis and Evans provide us with more balance and depth in the order, which will help like Randy Milligan and Cal Ripken.

We need run production, and you only get that with players who have the ability to drive in runs and hit with authority. The Orioles were in the pennant nee until the last weekend in 1989, but fell out early last year. Was last year a disappointment, or was it a normal step back in the growing process of a young team? We knew 1989 was a remarkable turn of events. It was beyond everyones expectations including ours to go from dead last arid then win 87 games. Many of our young players played exceptionally well, but I dont know if they were necessarily aware they were in a race until the very last portion of the season.

They were enjoying themselves. They were coming through with key plays and key hits, and we were on a roll. But we knew, that in a building process, its not likely you can have that kind of year back-to-back with such a young club. Is there a concern about the pitching staff? Were going into the season with a young pitching staff. But again, we have young pitchers whove had quite a bit of experience.

If our attack is better, and the defense as good, that will help the pitching. I think we have good balance and that our staff will do all right. I think were going into the season well prepared. Is there a timetable on (1999 No. 1 draft choice) Mike Mussina? We dont set any timetables with our players.

We want to make sure they develop properly. Sometimes it works out where they develop quicker than we expect. Mike Mussina made a good impression in oyr spring training camp and good reports are coming in from our Rochester club. He certainly looks like a pitcher with a very bright future. With very few exceptions, the Orioles have always been made up of solid citizens.

To what degree does the character of a person figure when youre thinking of acquiring him? You look at players who exhibit a flair and enjoyment of playing the game. You also look for a good work ethic. Its traditional with the Orioles how they go about their work. Cal Ripken leads the way in that regard, but Im sure it was passed on to him by Brooks Robinson, and Mark Belanger, and Frank Robinson, and i- I admired those players when I was Call on the professionals at Honey Run Golf Country Club Private series of gplf lessons Join our beginner group now faming Private single lessons Organize your own group and receive a 15 discount Video lessons available Let us fit ourselves into your schedule Call P.G.A. golf professional Nevin Parr Jr.

or assistant professional Jodi Logan Ylhzzlln9 Ct i Orioles deals since the end of the 1990 baseball season: Acquired RHP David Martinez and IHP Mike Hook from California Angels for OF Dave Gallagher. Dee. 14, 1990 Acquired LHP Paul Kilgus from Toronto Blue Jays for RHP Mickey Weston. Jam. 10, 1991 Acquired IB Glenn Davis from Houston Astros for OF Steve Finley, RHP Pete Harnisch and RHP Curt Schilling.

Acquired RHP Jeff Robinson from Detroit Tigers for Mickey Tettleton. Jan. IB, 1991 Acquired LHP Rob Blumberg from To-. ronto Blue Jays for IP Rene Gonzales. 3131 S.

Salem Church Rd. 792-9771.