The Spokesman-Review from Spokane, Washington • 45

VI EW VIEW VIEW VIEW THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1988 THURSDAY, A MVO 0 CLASSIREDD7 PAGE D1 PAGE D1 Easlley coulaild go riff ilia jks at iff By Jim Cour and he knows what we're asking for. He said the 1987 NFL players' strike that lasted four Associated Press 'come on out, Stouffer added. weeks and was unhappy with the way Seattle SEA'rTLE The Seattle Seahawks said Bauer said he is confident the Seahawks will fans treated him after the strike. He said he Lions deal No. 2 pick to K.C.

Wednesday they've made a tentative trade with sign Stouffer, who sat out last season in a con- didn't want to make Seattle his home any more. Phoenix for unsigned quarterback Kelly tract dispute with Cardinals' owner William If Stouffer is not signed before midnight EDT Stouffer, and sources said the deal involves Bidwill. "Kelly just didn't want to play for Saturday, he will go back into the 1988 NFL Associated Press er Jim Schaaf said. Schaaf Seahawks safety Kenny Easley. Phoenix," Bauer said.

draft, which will be Sunday and Monday. The KANSAS CITY, Mo. The refused to identify the player or The trade for Stouffer, the Cardinals' un- McCormack, who announced the tentative Seahawks will not have a first-round pick in the Kansas City Chiefs swapped say if the Chiefs will sign him signed 1987 first-round draft choice from Colo- deal, declined to say what the Seahawks agreed 1988 draft because they selected Brian Bos- places in the NFL draft Wednes- prior to the draft. rado state, is contingent upon the Seahawks to give Phoenix for Stouffer, but there have worth in the 1987 supplemental draft. Unless day with Detroit, giving the Lions "As soon as anything happens, being able to sign the 6-foot-3, 212-pound play- been reports for weeks that the Seahawks were they made a trade, the Seahawks won't draft their first and second-round we will apprise you of the details, er, Seahawks president Mike McCormack said.

shopping Easley around. until the 49th pick. choices in Sunday's draft for the either a signing or an announce-Stouffer and his agent, Mike Blatt, scheduled Bauer said McCormack told him that the "There are conditions on both sides. We're Lions' first-round choice, the No. ment on draft day," Schaaf said.

a visit to Seattle on Thursday, said Frank trade would involve a Seahawk player and a fu- going to try to get those conditions solved," 2 selection overall. The Chiefs finished 4-11 last Bauer, another Stouffer agent. ture draft choice. McCormack said of the deal with the Cardinals. The Chiefs, who gave up the Year and ranked No.

27 among "We haven't reached an agreement with the Easley, a two-time All-America pick at McCormack said he received a telephone call No. 3 pick in the first round and the 28 NFL teams in defense. seahawks yet, but we're close," Bauer told The UCLA, was Seattle's 1981 first-round draft Monday night from Larry Wilson, the Cardinals' the second pick in the second Team officials have said they Associated Press from his Stockton, off- choice and the NFL's Defensive Player of the director of player personnel, telling him the round, will thus be the first team will concentrate on defense in the Ice. "We're going to sit down and talk." Year in 1984. He is a five-time Pro Bowl selec- Seahawks had permission to talk to Stouffer's to act Sunday.

The Atlanta Fal- draft and there has been specula-But Stouffer, as he boarded a flight to Seattle tion and four-time Pro Bowl starter. agents. cons have already signed Auburn tion that Nebraska defensive from the Rapid City, S.D., Regional Airport The 6-3, 198-pound safety has 32 career linebacker Aundray Bruce with lineman Neil Smith may be high Wednesday evening, said, "I couldn't have writ- ceptions. We have given the Seattle Seahawks permis- the overall No. 1 pick.

on their list. But Schaaf consist-ten a better ending to this story. The situation at However, Easley, 29, has been beset with in- sion to talk and hold workouts with Kelly "Our thinking was that we ently refused to name the player Seattle is perfect for me. Just drop back and juries for the past three seasons. After inter- Stouffer and meet his representatives to enter identified the player we wanted, he has in mind.

throw the ball." cepting 10 passes in 1984, he had a total of eight into negotiations," said Wilson. "The deal is still and we weren't going to take a we thought he was going to Rapid City is the closest major airport to interceptions the past three seasons, including tentative." chance on not having an opportu- be there, we wouldn't have Stouffer's Rushville, Neb. home. four in 1987. At Colorado State, Stouffer passed for 7,142 nity to get him," General Manag- moved up," Schaaf said.

"I've already talked with the Seattle owner He was Seattle's player representative during yards and 36 touchdowns. C. Schaaf Ilayer or him happens, a details, said. 1-11 last among defense. lid they se in the ensive be high player going to have d.

By Jim Cour Associated Press SEA'rTLE Wednesday they'v Phoenix for In Stouffer, and sot Seahawks safety The trade for signed 1987 first-1 rado State, is cc being able to sign er, Seahawks pres Stouffer and hir a visit to Seattl Bauer, another St( "We haven't re Seahawks yet, bul Associated Press Ice. "We're going I But Stouffer, as from the Rapid Wednesday evenir ten a better endini Seattle is perfect throw the ball." Rapid City is Stouffer's Rushvil "I've already t. Putzier's name should be early Putz shou fikie) i k' 0 't ,,,..,0 a 0 11, a I EY i -4, iInc or -7, 3 1 1 i Aar 11,, I 1 1 4. 4 4,44 rr ,.....400 rr' l'''' ''''''''f. -4-t' f' -it 9 A Milwaukee fan showed no sympathy for the Orioles before they stumbled into the record book.

The sign couldn't be true, could it? MilluAllitaa bin nr. ctirrirmim 1,,, n.4.-1". 44, LI .,.....1 1 1 AP photo )0to One play in the Washington State game a couple of frightening frames in a rout have come to symbolize Rollin Putzier's football career at Oregon. 11111111 Putzier, the massively 1 constructed 279-pound defensive lineman from Post Falls, ri si delivering a shown crunching film blow at A I Iii, the snap that stands up the Cougar center. WSU quarterback Timm Rosenbach is retreating to pass t---, when the center recoiling is driven into Rosenbach's legs.

DAN Down the quarterback goes in a WEAVER crimson heap. Sack, Putzier. Oregon defensive coordinator Staff writer Denny Schuler sees that Immoll highlight from time to time and says, Putz mastered his position as well as any guy I've ever been around." A giant play at Arizona State sticks out, too, when the Sun Devils tried to trap the Ducks on fourth-and-one with guard Randall McDaniel as the lead blocker. In a confrontation of all-conference linemen, Putzier vs. McDaniel, Putzier smothered the play.

Stuffing a center, shutting off the middle, pursuing the football from sideline to sideline, Putzier was an impressive sight from Oregon's third game to its lith. Although his play was average in the Ducks' opener at Colorado and nothing more than that the following week at Ohio State, he eventually staked a claim as the No. 1 nose guard in college football. Just a few days from Sunday's National Football League draft, that claim to No. 1 was confirmed.

"Considering the fact that I played the position for one year, yeah, I think I was," Putzier said. His chances to go high in the draft were enhanced at the Blue-Gray and Senior Bowl games and at the scouting combine in Indianapolis. "It looks pretty solid for me in the second round," Putzier said from Eugene, where he'll sweat out the long wait to Sunday. On that day, some time after 9 a.m., he'll learn where he'll play and when and approximately for how much. "I have been told that I have a shot at the first round and it's possible I could be around for the third," Putzier elaborated.

"I've been hearing so many stories. I've heard one team will trade up for me. It's all so hard to believe." Even the reality is hard to believe. The reality is that the day Rollin Putzier had always hoped for, when he finally could become a Raider, Is finally within sight. "I'm going crazy right now," he said.

"It's everything. I don't know where I'm going to live for the next four years. I don't know what I'll be making. I grew up a total die-hard Raiders fan. That would be great, although I don't see myself playing too much on their defensive line.

I just wish I could go to sleep now and wake up Monday morning. I'm losing sleep. I'm biting my fingernails. I'm pulling my hair out." And pulling our leg, lust a little. An eighth of an inch under 6-5, Rollin Putzier isn't the nervous type, although the draft can start a college football-playing senior on the road to the big payday.

One play in th couple of fright( come to symbol; career at rep 111111111 DAN WEAVER Staff writer imememoi position as well around." A giant play when the Sun DI fourth-and-one the lead blocker conference line Putzier smothel Stuffing a pursuing the foc Putzier was an third game to it average in the I nothing more th Ohio State, he el No. 1 nose guar( Just a few da, Football Leagui confirmed. "Considering for one year, ye; His chances t( enhanced at the games and at till Indianapolis. "It looks pretl round," Putzier sweat out the loi some time after play and when a "I have been round and it's pc third," Putzier many stories. I's for me.

It's all s( Even the real' is that the day for, when he fine finally within sii "I'm going ere everything. I dor for the next four making. I grew That would be gr Dlavine too mud Orr O4or200 streak reaches 114 LONE FORZHE BOOKSamima The results of Baltimore's record season-opening losing streak, including game number, opponent, score and game site: No. Opp.Score Site 1 Milwaukee, 12-0 Balt 2 Milwaukee, 3-1 Balt 3 Cleveland, 3-0 Cle 4 Cleveland, 12-1 Cle 5 Cleveland, 6-3 Cle 6 Cleveland, 7-2 Cle 7 Kansas City, 6-1 Balt 8 Kansas City, 9-3 Balt 9 Kansas City, 4-3 Balt 10 Cleveland, 3-2 Balt 11 Cleveland, 1-0 (11) Balt 12 Cleveland, 4-1 Balt 13 Milwaukee, 9-5 Milw 14 Milwaukee, 8-6 Milw have to do to win," Orioles manager Frank Robinson said after the Brewers raked Baltimore pitching for 15 hits, including two homers. "When you lose 14 games, nobody likes it," Robinson said, claiming that the Orioles were not embarrassed but frustrated.

"We're professional players and nobody is embarrassed. We've got to get it together and have to win a game. They know that." First the Orioles need to put together all the elements of the game. One night they don't hit, another night they commit errors and Wednesday night starter Mike Boddicker couldn't hold off the Brewers, who scored four times in the fifth inning for the come-from-behind victory. Jim Gantner's bases-loaded single was the key hit of the inning, but on a play that symbolized the Orioles' plight, they lost Rob Deer's towering popup in the lights.

The ball fell between four fielders and the single kept the four-run inning alive. A crowd of 7,284 on a windy night with temperatures in the 40s saw Baltimore rally from an early 3-0 deficit. The Orioles went ahead on a sacrifice fly by Billy Ripken in the fourth inning and Sheets solo home run in the fifth. But the Brewers struck back in their fifth for a 7-5 lead. Robin Yount led off with a home run and a popup by Rob Deer was lost in the lights for a single.

Gantner hit a two-out, two-run single and Dale Sveum had an RBI single off Boddicker, 0-4. Boddicker has lost his last nine decisions and is winless since last Sept. 4. Bill Wegman, 1-2, got the victory despite allowing five runs on eight hits in five innings. Plesac, who balked home a run in the eighth, pitched 1 2-3 innings for his second save as Milwaukee won its fourth straight.

The Brewers have won 19 of their last 22 games against Baltimore, including nine straight victories at County Stadium. "I don't think we think about the misfortune they're going through," Milwaukee manager Tom Trebelhorn said. "It's more of a media event. It's not a fun one, but it's intriguing. This doesn't happen very often." Glenn Braggs' three-run homer put Milwaukee ahead 3-0 in the second.

Baltimore tied it in the third on singles by Jeff Stone, Billy Ripken, Eddie Murray, Fred Lynn and Sheets. Kennedy led off the Baltimore fourth with a single, Stone doubled and Billy Ripken's sacrifice fly made it 4-3. ieir off tob gle off his ice ea igs 'on ast rig )rn t's his )ut ay, -th Ily -3. By Rick Gano Associated Press MILWAUKEE For years the Baltimore Orioles were a win-rich baseball franchise whose reputation was built on sound fundamentals, a strong farm system and consistency. That tradition continued to crumble Wednesday night when the Orioles set a major league record with their 14th straight loss to start the season, losing to the Milwaukee Brewers 8-6.

"The Orioles are always remembered for something, mostly for winning, and they're going to remembered for this, too," Orioles catcher Terry Kennedy said. "It's definitely a downer." Baltimore passed the 1904 Washington Senators and the 1920 Detroit Tigers, who lost their first 13 games, for early-season futility. The Orioles' 14th straight loss also tied a franchise record last suffered by Baltimore's 1954 team. "Thirty years from now when we're old, we'll be watching as some other team is creeping up around 12 or 13 and we'll be laughing at them," Kennedy said. "But it's not funny now, but it may someday." Baltimore, which led 5-3 in the fifth inning, lost despite its highest-scoring game of the season.

The Orioles loaded 1 the bases in the ninth inning against Dan Plesac on a one-out single by Cal Ripken and two-out walks to Larry Sheets and Rick Schu, but pinch-hitter Carl Nichols flied out to end the game. "We're not doing all the things you Chiefs afiready working to improve With their most successful season over, it's time to make their next one better One story is, the 49ers will make him their second-round pick, but the 49ers fear that Putzier will be gone by the time they get to their middle-round selection in Round Two. The Cowboys likewise are rumored to be concerned that Putzier's name will be called before they get their second-round choice. Every round in the draft is defined by the difference of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of dollars. A defensive lineman taken In the opening round will hear of impressive numbers thrown around at the negotiating table, but big money dwindles fast.

A lineman left until the second day will spend years if he succeeds at all trying to make up lost ground. Immediate worth is conferred only upon the high draft pick. Like his heroes, the Raiders of old, Putzier doesn't lack for intensity or confidence. "I feel I can play any place on the defensive line on any front," he said. "I assumed that Dallas liked me at tackle on a four-man front, but they actually like me at end.

The same with San Francisco. I thought they'd like me at nose, but they like me at end, plus the fact that I can play both positions." What does the player think? "At end I think I'm a great pass rusher because I'm one-on-one a lot more," he said. "It's apt to be me against another guy rather than me getting stuffed by two players and having to move laterally for the draw. There are so many responsibilities for a good nose guard that it almost wastes him as a pass rusher. It's a totally different game in the middle." Rollin Putzier may become a pass-rushing end, say like a young Mark Gastineau.

"I prefer Howie Long," Putzier said. Putzier will remain a loyal Raider, at least until he has to chase Bo Jackson. WHL rules allow teams to carry only four 20-yearolds, and that number may be reduced before next season. Spokane's top 19-year-olds are center Rob Friesen, left wing Doug Pickell and versatile forward Korey Sundstrum. None are certain to return.

Friesen is considering a pro career in Europe or Canadian college hockey; Pickell is under contract to the Calgary Flames and can play in the minor leagues next season; and Sundstrum is a draft candidate who could play in the minors. Left wing Darcy Loewen and defenseman-left wing Murray Duval are the other Chiefs most likely to be drafted. Those two figure to be key players on next year's Chiefs, along with gifted center Travis Green, who is predicted to be a high draft pick when he becomes eligible in 1989. Rookie prospects for next season include 15-yearold center Pat Fa Boon, 16-year-old defenseman Frank Evans, 17-year-old center Chris Kavan and 18-yearold center Brad McInnis. Fa is highly regarded, but he has not ruled out a college career, and his parents are wary of the distance between Spokane and their Manitoba home.

The West Division title race appears wide open for next year. Goring and others around the league believe five-time defending champion Kamloops could be hurt badly by losses to the pros. Strumm said the Chiefs made of profit of more than 6108 000 this season while averaging at the ey or to es ho ng be r's is es IF- nk Ls- or ye irt an he ter the second game of the division finals, and Strumm announced Wednesday that Gaetz's suspension has been extended from "indefinite" to "forever." "He will not be back with the hockey team," Strumm stated. Goring and Strumm said they expect Gaetz to turn pro next season, anyway. Gaetz's size, toughness and raw skill has attracted hordes of pro scouts, who say Gaetz likely will go in the first two rounds of the June draft.

The absence of Gaetz leaves one more hole on Spokane's blue line for next year. An even bigger hole is left by the departure of goaltender Troy Gamble. "Gamble," said Rickert, speaking for most everyone in the WHL, "is amazing." Gamble, voted the league's No. 1 goalie, is one of four Chiefs who have completed their major junior eligibility. The others are Bryan Larkin, Spokane's best defenseman, and forwards Todd Decker and Mark Wingerter, Spokane's two leading scorers.

Gamble is the only one of the four who has been drafted, but the others have all drawn some interest from the pros. Goring and Strumm don't expect to find Gamble's equal next season, but they predict a great battle in training camp between four goalies. The front-runner appears to be Gavin Armstrong, a 19-year-old with college and Tier Two experience. Goring and Strumm say the club's biggest need besides a new goaltender is an experienced defenseman, since there will be plenty of returning forwards. The Chiefs have seven 19-year-olds, plus Armstrong.

By Howie Stalwick Staff writer The 1987-88 season ended Tuesday night for the Spokane Chiefs. Today, work begins in earnest for 1988- 89. Coach Butch Goring and General Manager Bob Strumm head for Calgary this afternoon to prepare for a weekend training camp for Chiefs of the future. Summer camps, recruiting visits, contract talks, season-ticket sales hockey is a year-round business In major junior. And to be one of the best, the Chiefs are already working to improve on their best season in history.

The 1987-88 Chiefs won more games, drew more fans, finished higher in the regular-season standings and advanced further in the playoffs than any of Spokane's previous four entries in the Western Hockey League. The end to a fine season came Tuesday in a well-played 5-3 loss to Kamloops in Game 7 of the best-ofnine West Division finals. "They never quit, right to the final buzzer," praised Kamloops defenseman Mike Rickert, a former Chief. "I'm proud of the guys; it was a courageous effort," Strumm said. "We played a lot longer than a lot of people thought we would at the start of the year." We made great progress on our hockey team," Goring said, "as far as getting the people we want on our hockey club, and the attitude we want on the hockey club." Defenseman Link Gaetz is one player whose attitude did not satisfy Goring.

The coach suspended Gaetz af C. 4.