THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 22, 1994 TAG: 9408220169
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TOM ROBINSON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
Pitchers Frank Seminara and Kenny Greer recently were taken off the Mets' 40-man roster, a move that will make them free agents after the season. Outfielder Shawn Hare, removed from the roster at the same time, originally thought he'd also be free to shop his services, but he then learned from the Mets that he is their property for another season.
Hare discovered he needs another season to become what is termed a six-year renewal free agent. Players in that category must have signed six contracts after their original one. Though Hare signed with Detroit in 1988, the contract was for the 1989 season. He did not play in '88, thus he is in only his sixth pro season.
Not that any of this guarantees that Hare, 27, will stay with the Mets. Hare said his agent continues to pursue an opportunity for him in Japan, and he said the Mets have told him they won't hold him back if a chance there arises.
Hare has been one of the International League's best hitters the past five seasons, though fans at Harbor Park would never know it. Hare is hitting a combined .280 with 11 home runs for Toledo and Norfolk this year. But his Tides average is only .267 because of his incredible .137 mark (10-for-73) at Harbor Park, which has been known to mentally wear down lefthanders because of its consistent cross-winds to left.
``I've been more inconsistent than in the past,'' said Hare, who is batting putting three, four or five games back-to-back.''
Hare, who has been up with the Mets twice, also said inconsistent work on his conditioning program for his legs has literally slowed him down.
``They think I've lost a step or two from last year,'' Hare said. ``I haven't been as diligent this year with my weight program. It's caught up with me.''
OPEN TO OFFERS: As for Greer and Seminara, like Hare, also 27-year-old first-year Mets, they said they'll listen to the Mets' contract offers and wouldn't mind returning.
Greer's year essentially was shot when he underwent elbow surgery in April. He was going to be a closer for the Tides but has worked only 21 2/3 innings in 19 games, with one save.
Seminara has slumped over the second half of the season after returning from a five-week stay with the Mets, for whom he was 0-2 with a 5.82 ERA in 10 games. He said being taken off the roster by the favorite team of his youth - Seminara is from Brooklyn - was a blow, but understandable.
``I have no problem with the decision they made,'' he said. ``I don't hold any grudges. Business is business at that level. When you get the opportunity, you've got to seize it. I was inconsistent in the role I was in - whatever that role was, I was inconsistent - and I understand their decision.''
If the Mets make an offer, Seminara said he'll weigh it carefully.
``But as much as my heart's staying with the Mets, I've got to look at my career,'' he said. ``I'd like to get another opportunity with them, but I've got to do what's best for me at this point in my career.''
TRY AGAIN: You might expect to see a promotion called something like ``Break the Record Night'' at Harbor Park next season. Tides president Ken Young said he was stunned to see the Tides miss by fewer than 300 fans setting a state attendance record for a single minor league game Saturday, when they drew 13,069.
They could have surpassed Richmond's 13,335, Young said, had they not stopped selling standing-room tickets in the first inning. The Tides, though, were unsure of how much of an overflow crowd was too much, Young said, and they closed the gates after letting in an extra 1,000.
Harbor Park's capacity is 12,057.
A MILLION AND COUNTING: As part of Saturday's crowd, the Tides passed the 1 million mark in paid attendance since Harbor Park opened last year. They were up to 1,003,488 before Sunday's game.
ON DECK: A game tonight in Richmond completes the season series with the Braves. The Tides are off Tuesday but return Wednesday for their next-to-last home series, three games against Ottawa. ILLUSTRATION: Charts
Box Score
Attendance
Standings
Team Statistics
For copy of charts, see microfilm
by CNB