Jerry Mumphrey was one of the veteran Cub players who was surprised he wasn`t traded before midnight Monday. That was the deadline for contending teams to add a player who would be eligible for the postseason roster.
”I was somewhat surprised, but it seems that most teams are looking for pitching,” Mumphrey said. ”I guess most teams are satisfied with their offensive production from the left side.”
Mumphrey, who had a single, double and triple Monday night, is in the last year of a $600,000 contract.
”I would hope there is a possibility that the Cubs would consider taking me back another year,” he said.
”The platoon system worked pretty good this year.
”I`m sure they have some young kids they want to play. Rafael (Palmeiro) is a good young player that I`m sure they want to see next year.
”I`m satisfied to wait until after the season before we sit down and talk contract. It is important to me to put up these kind of numbers and do this kind of job to let baseball know that I still can do the job. Other teams will probably look at what I`ve done after the season.”
Andre Dawson failed in his attempt to hit two home runs Monday night to match Willie Mays` all-time record of 17 homers in one month.
With 43 homers in 130 games, Dawson has an excellent chance to become only the second Cub to hit 50 homers. Hack Wilson hit a National League-record 56 homers in 1930. Wilson had 46 homers after 130 games.
The Cubs return home Friday to open a nine-game homestand with a three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds. They will be followed into Wrigley Field by the Pirates and Expos.
Manager Gene Michael said Ed Lynch has earned an opportunity to stay in the starting rotation after his five-inning, one-hit stint Sunday against the Reds. ”Ed Lynch can do a job, especially when he gets enough rest,” Michael said.
Leon Durham was a late scratch from the starting lineup Monday night because of a bad sinus attack.
Shawon Dunston missed his third straight game because of an ankle injury. Michael is perplexed by the injury. ”He limped down to first base the other night, then he went from first to third on a single like a breeze. Then he comes in and tells me he can`t play. He`s a tough read,” Michael said.
Injured left-hander Mike Mason (sore elbow) is slated to pitch a simulated game Tuesday at the Astrodome.
Greg Maddux (3-0) was the winner as Triple-A Iowa beat Omaha 2-0 Sunday. He allowed six hits and struck out nine while walking two in going the distance. Wade Rowdon was 2 for 3 and drove in both Iowa runs. Rowdon is hitting .330 with a league-leading 107 RBIs. Catcher Damon Berryhill, who is hitting .293 with 18 homers and 67 RBIs, extended his hitting streak to nine games. Maddux, Rowdon and Berryhill will be among seven minor leaguers called up to the Cubs on Friday.
The streaky Astros had pulled within a half-game of the National League West- leading San Francisco Giants a week ago. The reason? Ten victories in 11 games. The Astros were 4 1/2 games back after Monday`s loss. The reason? Six losses in a row.
