Harold Baines won’t complain. It’s not his style. But he enjoyed this designated-hitter-free series at Three Rivers Stadium like a root canal.
Baines was as hot as he has been all season when the White Sox arrived in Pittsburgh. He had gone 11 for 26 with three home runs, two doubles and 13 RBIs in seven games against Kansas City and Minnesota. But National League rules left him as little more than a spectator against the Pirates. “There’s nothing you can do about it,” Baines said.
Baines, who hit a pinch-hit home run when the White Sox visited Cincinnati last month, was in the on-deck circle to hit for Mike Cameron when Monday’s 3-1 loss ended. He flied out to deep center in a ninth-inning appearance in Tuesday night’s 3-0 loss.
Pittsburgh manager Gene Lamont knows the White Sox have been handicapped without Baines. He would like to see the two leagues play under one set of rules.
“They are a different team with a DH,” Lamont said. “It makes a big difference for them. That’s why I think we need to get it one way or another–with a DH or without a DH. This interleague play shows that. . . . (This) is a definite advantage for us.”
No hurry: Agent Alan Hendricks, who represents Roberto Hernandez, is not bothered by Ron Schueler’s recent comments about the lack of attendance at Comiskey Park. Schueler says the small crowds could prevent the Sox from re-signing Hernandez and Wilson Alvarez when they become free agents after this season.
“Our expressed desire, and their expressed desire, was that we get through this season and then see where we are,” Hendricks said. “If they decide to make an offer, then we will consider it. If they do not, that’s fine too. We understand the economics of the game.”
Hernandez, who is 19 for 22 in save situations, earns $4.62 million this year. Alvarez, who is 7-6 with a 2.57 ERA, earns $4.66 million. They are among a group of 10 Sox players eligible for free agency after this season.
The end for Pena?: The Sox delayed activating infielder Norberto Martin Wednesday, possibly because they did not want to release third catcher Tony Pena while in Pittsburgh, where he was a four-time All-Star.
To make room for Martin, they must either return backup first baseman Mario Valdez to Triple-A Nashville or release one of their two reserve catchers, Ron Karkovice or Pena. The popular Pena appears the most likely choice.
Manager Terry Bevington started Pena Tuesday night for the first time since May 28. He was 0 for 3, leaving him hitless in 12 at-bats since May 14. He hasn’t had an extra-base hit this season.
The roster situation could get even tighter if the Sox pursue utility man Pat Listach, who was waived Tuesday by the Houston Astros. Schueler acknowledges the club is looking to add infield depth. Listach won the 1992 AL Rookie of the Year Award at shortstop for Milwaukee.
Listach played 31 games at short this year (including 28 starts), making five errors. He stole four bases. Listach earned $750,000 with Houston but can be signed for a prorated portion of the $150,000 minimum if he clears waivers.
