The Bangor Daily News from Bangor, Maine • 18

BANGOR DAILY NEWS FRIDAY, JUNE 20. 1997 Pro BaseballSports i '-jv 'mwrTWHiim i Sweeney happy with trade American League Ext Divwlofl Pet GB L10 Stink Horn Motamore disciplined at plate IBDWasebaUi Today Opponent: Albany Diamond Dogs Site, time: Mahaney Diamond, Orono; 7 pm. Starterst Albany Steve D'Aquila (1-0, 7 04); Bangor Andy High (0-1, 3.86) MMunz OOOO HMny 0 8 0 0 Dipolo OOOO CrJnot ph 1 0 0 0 PHm ph 0 1 0 0 Ltkanfc 0 0 0 0 Totals 35 8 13 0 Total 34 4 10 4 Colorado 006 610 00241 Ban Dtogo 201 001 0004 Henderson (3) DnJaekaon (2) DP Colorado 3 San Diego 2 LOB Colorado 8, San Dtego 8 20 EcYoung (18) LWalker (24) Bichette (11), Caslilla (10) QVeras(ll), SFinley (17) Qomez (9) Flaherty (9) HR Oalarraga (20) Sft Henderson 2 (8) CS j.Wafcar (6) EcYoung 2 Away Intr Awn Mr National League Eaat Division Pet GB JU0 Streak Horn traded to St. Louis on July 8, 1995. Sweeney said its tough leaving a team because 6f the relationships you develop and he added now Ill have to prove myself 1 all over again.

I fit into a role in St. Louis and now my concern is getting to that point here. But I feel like Ive learned how to get the job done. I know what I have to do," said Sweeney, who intends to learn as much as he can from Padre stars Tony Gwynn, Ken Caminiti, Steve Finley and Wally Joyner. 1 Sweeney isnt a fan of interleague play even though having the DH helps a player like me.

Its great for the fans but it takes away from the purity of the game a little bit. Itll take a little bit away from the All-Star game and World Series," said Sweeney. By Larry Mahoney Of the NEWS Staff Mark Sweeney said St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa was -real good about getting him into games even though he was reserve. But the former University -of Maine All-American is optimistic that his recent trade to San Diego will be a positive development.

I think its going to be a great opportunity for me, said the 27-year-old Sweeney. There wasnt a chance for me to advance to the next level in St. Louis, to become an everyday player some day. Here theres an opportunity. Im the only lefty coming off the bench.

"And San Diego is a beautiful place to live, Sweeney added. Sweeney said being the fifth Mota, from Cl Mota, who has adopted a new batting stance, is excited about his newfound offensive production. I stay back and See the ball more and Im hitting the ball harder, said Mota. 'Last year I hit the ball, but I lacked real concentration. This year Ive got real concentration at home plate.

Playing such a physically demanding position doesnt seem to have worn Motas 29-year-old body down much. The pian who caught all of a 27-inning game in 1987 recently came off a string of 77 consecutive innings caught. Hes very enhusiastic. Interleague play gains wide-spread approval HBP by RBaieyr (Cianlrocco) WP RBaiiey Umpires Horae Froemmlng, Prat Rg-pley Second, Hatchback, Third, Wit-hem 3.11 A 10,148 (69.772) Scoreboard Baltimore al Toronto (7-35 pm. EOT) Mika Mussina (8-1) starts tor the Onoles against Pat Hentgen (7-3).

Same Time For the first time In maior league history, two pitchers Irom Japan opposed each other when Hideo Nomo of the Dodgers and Shigetoshi Ha segawa of the Angels were Wednesday night's game at the same time Nomo and Hasegawa pitched six games together while Japan. Northeast League First Hall Northern Division Pel GB Interleague, from Cl come back to the National League. Many players in both leagues noticed a difference in style, with the NL games seeming a lot quicker. Their guys go up there looking to swing the bat. Theyre not up there to waste time, Texas Mark McLemore said.

While no AL managers ran short of players, there was a different way of using them. In the American League, your extra players are basically looking to play the last couple innings, said Anaheim manager Terry Collins, who formerly managed the Houston Astros. In some National League games, they have to hit in the fifth inning and then play in the field. The whole approach is different with the double switches and all. Los Angeles al San Francisco, 10 05 pm.

Friday's Games Florida (Fernandez 6-6) al Montreal (Martinez 9-2), 7 35 Atlanta (Glavme 6-4) at Philadelphia (Leiter 4-7), 7 35 Pittsburgh (Cooke 5-8) at Y. Mets (Jones 11-3), 740 pm. Cmcmnali (Mercker 4-5) at SI. Louis (Morris 5-3), 8 05 m. Chicago Cubs (Trachsel 4-5) at Houston (Kile 7-3), 8 05 m.

Colorado (Burke 2-1) at San Diego (Ashby 2-3), 10-05 pm. Los Angeles (Martinez 6-3) al San Francisco (Roa 2-4), 1005 pm. Saturday's Games Florida al Montreal, 1 05 Chicago Cubs at Houston, 1t5pm Los Angeles at San Francisco, 4 05 pm Pittsburgh at Mets, 4 10 m. Atlanta at Philadelphia, 7 05 m. Cincinnati at St Louis, 8 05 Colorado at San Diego, 10 05 m.

Sunday's Games Florida al Montreal, 1 35 m. Atlanta at Philadelphia, 1 35 m. Pittsburgh at Mets, 1 40 m. Cincinnati at St Louis, 2 15 m. Chicago Cubs at Houston, 2 35 m.

Colorado at San Diego, 4 05 m. Los Angeles at San Francisco, 8 05 p.m. Mets 7, Pirates 6 (Thursday Night) PITTSBURGH NEW YORK abrhM abrhM Wmaek 2b 4 0 0 0 LJhnsn 60 2 0 ABiwn 4 0 0 0 Gilkoy 3 110 Kendal 4 0 0 0 Ochoa if 2 0 10 KYng 1b 4 2 2 0 Oierud 1b 4 2 2 0 Randa 3b 3 1 2 0 Hndley 4 2 2 1 Smith 4 12 2 Evaratl if 3 0 2 3 JGRen if 4 111 Baerga 2b 2 1 0 0 Ptcvch si 2 0 0 0 Hrdlke 2b 2 0 11 Sveum 2113 MFrco 3b 2 0 0 0 Ueber 1 0 0 0 Alonzo 3b 2 1 2 1 Peters 1 0 0 0 LLopez as 4 0 2 1 Chrstns 0 0 0 0 MClark 3 0 0 0 MCmgs ph 1 0 0 0 Bwser ph 10 0 0 Sdwsky 0 0 0 0 JoFrco 0 0 0 0 Osik ph 10 0 0 Rincon 0 0 0 0 Totals 36 8 8 6 Totals 37 7 IS 7 Pittsburgh 010 000 2038 New York 103 002 0017 One out when winning run scored (Johnson (3) DP Pittsburgh 2 New York 1 LOB Pittsburgh 3 New York 10 2B MSmMh (1) JQudlen (11) Everett 2 (12) Attonzo (12). LLopez (2) HR Sveum (3) SB LLopez (1) CS Everelt IP ER been approved for next year after that, it requires the approval of the players and owners. Among those in favor of it is Pete Rose, who admits he was a hard sell.

The career National Leaguer likes what hes seen so far, though hes sorry baseball needed a new gimmick. SONNYS I DRIVING RANGE I -AND TRAINING CENTERi Night Lighted NOW Sand TVap I Putting Green Turf Stations Snack Bar EVERYONE WELCOME I Open Tuesday thru Sunday 12 Noon-10 p.m. 509 off a buckat of bells with this coupon Cove Winterport 223-5242 oiJ8004305242 and majestic in beauty, everything about our Wednesday's Games Allentown al Adirondack, ppd ran Catskill 11, Bangor 9 Massachusetts at Elmira, ppd ran Albany at Wateibuiy, ran Thursday's Gamas Massachusetts 4-0, Elmira 0-5 Albany 6-5, Waterbury 4-13 Friday's Gemee Elmira al Waterbury Adirondack al Massachusetts Albany al Bangor Catskill at Allentown Eastern League North Division American League Wednesday's Games NY. Yankees 3. NY.

Mels 2. 10 innings Detroit 6, Florida 2 Minnesota 8, Pittsburgh 2 Montreal 1, Baltimore 0 Colorado 10, Texas 9 San Francisco 4, Seattle 2 Boston 4, Philadelphia 2 Cincinnati 5, Cleveland 2 Toronto 5. Atlanta 3 Milwaukee 8, St Louis 4 Chicago White Sox 3, Chicago Cubs 0 Kansas City 6, Houston 2 Los Angeles 7, Anaheim Oakland 11, San Diego 9 Thursday's Games Seattle at Texas, 8 35 Oakland at Anaheim, 10 pm. Friday's Games Boston (Wakelield 2-8) at Detroit (Thompson 6-5), 7 05 m. NY.

Yankees (Gooden 1-0) at Cleveland (Nagy 8-3). 7.05 m. Baltimore (Mussina 8-1) at Toronto (Hentgen 7-3), 7 35 Kansas City (Belcher 8-6) at Milwaukee (Eldred 6-7), 8 05 Minnesota (Tewksbury 3-6) at Chicago White Sox (D Darwin 2-4), 8 05 pm Seattle (Moyer 6-2) at Texas (Witt 8-3), 8 35 Oakland (Wengert 3-4) at Anaheim (Watson 5-4), 10 05 Saturday's Games NY. Yankees at Cleveland, 1.05 pm Baltimore at Toronto, 4 05 m. Boston at Detroit, 7 05 Minnesota at Chicago White Sox, 705 pm Kansas City at Milwaukee, 8 05 m.

Seattle at Texas, 8 35 m. Oakland at Anaheim. 10 05 m. Sundays Games Baltimore at Toronto, 1 05 m. Boston at Detroit, 1.05 m.

NY Yankees at Cleveland, 1.05 pm Kansas City at Milwaukee, 2 05 m. Minnesota at Chicago White Sox, 205 pm. Oakland at Anaheim, 4 05 m. Seattle at Texas, 8 05 National League Wednesday's Games NY. Yankees 3.

Y. Mets 2. 10 Innings Detroit 6, Florida 2 Minnesota 8, Pittsburgh 2 Montreal 1, Baltimore 0 Colorado 10, Texas 9 San Francisco 4, Seattle 2 Boston 4, Philadelphia 2 Cincinnati 5, Cleveland 2 Toronto 5, Atlanta 3 Milwaukee 8, St Louis 4 Chicago White Sox 3, Chicago Cubs 0 Kansas City 6, Houston 2 Los Angeles 7, Los Angeles 5 Oakland 11, San Diego 9 Thursdays Games Colorado 8, San Diego 4 N.Y. Mets 7. Pittsburgh 6 Roger LaFrancois 1 1 I play winter ball in the Domini-L can Republic, so that helps me stay, iV in shape, said Mota, who is from San Cristobal.

After thinking about it a minute I or so, LaFrancois likened Mota to 1 another Dominican, former Red I Sox catcher Tony Pena. I He has a little different style of 1 catching, but certianly has that i' type of ability and hes very enthusiastic, he said. Mota is hoping the addition of two new Major League expansion teams will mean an opportunity for him to play big league ball. I If I get a chance to play for big league team, like as a backup or something, I will. I dont know if the opportunity will come, but you never know," said Mota.

The freckle-faced catcher realizes he is nearing the end of the professional baseball line. I think Ive got a couple more years left, so I just want to finish my career real good. I dont want to finish my career hitting .120 or i.220. 1 want to finish .280, .290. The most I can, you know? Mota said.

LaFrancois, a former minor league hitting instructor for the Chicago White Sox, believes Mota can be a legitimate .280 hitter in this league and said he has no doubt he can play at higher level. Theres a lot of catchers in triple A that I know of who cant catch as well as Carlos he said. Ive had catchers in triple A that I would take him over right now. Mota ranked first among NEL catchers in total chances, putouts, assists, and double plays last year. Number one, he takes a lot of pride in his defense.

He receives very well, he calls a very good game, blocks pitches well, and hes got a plus arm, said LaFrancois. I dont think theres any reason he cant be a backup in the big leagues or a starter in triple A. Being a good receiver like that, there should always be a job in baseball for a guy like that. SO. YOU THINK YOU KNOW MAINES MID-COAST? outfielder and third first base-man in St.

Louis wasnt conducive to receiving much playing time. He did a lot of pinch hitting. Sweeney has appeared in 48 games between. St. Louis and San Diego but has Sweeney only 68 at-bats to show for it.

He was hitting .206 with four doubles, five RBIs and six runs scored. He hit .265 with 3 homers and 28 RBIs in 98 games for St. Louis last year. Sweeney was a lOth-round draft pick of the California Angels and spent part? of five seasons in the Angel organization before being Starting Thursday, teams returned to playing in their own leagues. There will be two more interleague periods, later this month and from Aug.

28-Sept. 3. The interleague thing went well, but theres been so much said about it, Im all talked out, Cubs manager Jim Riggleman said. I know its good for the game and good for the fans, but Im glad its time for a break. Interleague play has already golf cunics 1 5 Wk.

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Hasek, who earlier in the day won the Lester B. Pearson Award as MVP voted by the players, overcame a strong challenge from Pittsburghs Mario Lemieux. Hasek also beat out former UMaine standout Paul Kariya of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for the Hart. Kariya was awarded the Lady Byng Trophy as the NHLs Wednesdays Games New Haven 8, Akron 4 Binghamton at New Britain, ran Bowie 2, Norwich 2, 2 Innings, ausp tog Portland at Harrisburg, tan Trenton 8, Reading 4 Thursday Games Bowie at Norwich, comp, ol ausp game Bowie at Norwich Harrisburg at Reading New Britan at Trenton Fridays Gamas Portland at Akron Bowie at Binghamton Harrisburg at Reading New Britan at Trenton New Haven at Norwich a career-high 37 games, with five shutouts and a goals-against average of 2.27, and led an overachieving Sabres team to the Northeast Division title. Hasek also led the league in save percentage (.930) for the fourth year in a row.

The award was voted on by writers before the playoffs, when the injured Hasek struggled and was suspended for three games for physically threatening a sports writer. Buffalo players copped three individual awards at the annual postseason ceremonies. Haseks teammate Mike Peca won the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the leagues best defensive forward. And Buffalo coach Ted Nolan completed a big night for the Sabres by winning the Adams Trophy as coach of the year.

crucial leader he has to gain the respect of his teammates. "Hes got to prove to his teammates that he belongs. Sometimes it takes a while for people to do that, but Ive seen people do that on the first shift, too. Only two of the last sue No. 1 picks played in the NHL the following season, but OConnell said hell be surprised If Thornton doesnt.

Thornton's offensive production improved dramatically last season, his second with Sault Ste. Marie of the Ontario Hockey League. I just got more ice time and got a little bit more mature and played with better players," Thornton said The two local authors, Carol Des Lauriers Cieri of Lincolnville and Donna Gold of Stockton Springs, have produced a Guide that covers accommodations, restaurants, activities, cultural events, historic events, transportation and hundreds of other helpful hints. There has never been a more comprehensive Guide to the coast. The Insiders Guide to Maine Mid-Coast is must reading for anyone who wants to take advantage of what Maine has to offer.

The Insiders Guide to Maines Mid-Coast can be purchased Owl Ttutle Buuiuhop, Camden Books and Music, Bangor most sportsmanlike player for the second straight year. Lemieux, the NHLs leading scorer and five-time winner of the Hart, announced his retirement right before the playoffs and was considered the sentimental favorite for the award. Meanwhile, the ceremony had its emotional moments as just about every award recipient mentioned Konstantinov in their speeches. Konstantinov, who was injured in an auto accident less than a week after helping the Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup, was ip critical condition at a Detroit-area hospital fighting for his life. Konstantinov, a finalist in the Norris Trophy voting for the leagues best defenseman, was beaten out by the New York Rangers Brian Leetch.

The Hart award capped a remarkable year for Hasek. He won ed. Unlike Lindros, who didnt want to play for Quebec after it drafted him, Thornton has shown no reluctance to play in Boston. And there are no indications the negotiations will be contentious. The retirement of Cam Neely before last season and the trade of Adam Oates and Rick Tocchet last March left the Bruins with a very young team that would become younger with Thornton.

Only one No. 1 pick since 1969, Pierre Tur-geon in 1987, was younger than 18 when he was drafted. The first order of business Joe Thornton has to do is sign his contract, which he could probably do any day now if he accepts the Bruins offer, OConnell said. Then at these stores and shops: Portland News of Portland Reading Room in Rockland The Compass Rose, Casline Gulf of Maine Books, Brunswick Reading Comer, Rockland Pieces of Bght, Presque Isle Blue Hill Books Dockside Books Gifts, Stonmgton -Port in a Storm, Mt Desert Four Flags, Castlnc Bruins see rookie Thornton as Borders Betts Bookstore, Bangor BookMarc's Cafe, Bangor The Briar Patch, Bangor Lcatlbctter's Super Stop, Bangor Canterbury Tiles Books, Bellas! Ferule Mind Bookshop, Bellas! Fishermans Whart Inn, Boothbny Hbr, Sherman's Books and Sialionaiy, Boolhbay Hbr. Maine Sports Outhlten, Cumdcn Order today, using the handy coupon below: purchase a copy of The Insiders Guide To Mid-Coast, fill out the coupon, include a check for $18.93, and mail to Bangor Daily News I Enterprises, P.O.

Box 1329, Bangor, Me. 04402 Attn: Joe Brooks I Name: I Address: NHL, from Cl Hes got an interesting look about him, OConnell said of the affable Thornton. It took Lindros five years to lead the Philadelphia Flyers to the Stanley Cup finals. The Bruins would love it if Thornton, who wont be 18 until July 2, did the same for them after they missed the playoffs last season for the first time in 30 years. We were the worst team in the league last year, but the year before we werent, OConnell said.

"We fell pretty hard last year. Were we that bad? I tend to think not. The Bruins hopes of signing Thornton before the draft hpve fad I City: I Or purchase a copy of the Guide at the Main Office of the Bangor Daily News, 491 Main Street, Bangor and save $3.00 shipping cost..