THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, August 1, 1995 TAG: 9508010363
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 51 lines
The New York Mets snatched yet another star pitcher from the Norfolk Tides on Monday, calling up Reid Cornelius, who will start Thursday against Cincinnati.
Cornelius replaces Bret Saberhagen in the Mets' starting rotation. Saberhagan was traded late Monday to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for two minor league players.
The Tides will receive one of those players - pitcher Juan Acevedo, a 25-year-old, 6-foot-2 righthander, who began the season with the Rockies after they promoted him from Double-A.
He was 4-6 with a 6.44 ERA with Colorado, then then was sent to Triple-A Colorado Springs. He was 17-6 last year for New Haven, the Rockies' Double-A affiliate.
Cornelius was 7-0 with an 0.90 ERA for Norfolk after being acquired in a trade.
The Tides hold a 12-game lead over second-place Richmond in the International League's West Division in spite of a string of potentially crippling pitching losses.
Jason Isringhausen and Mark Pulsipher are starting for the Mets. Jason Jacome is starting for the Kansas City Royals. Mike Birkbeck, a starter when the season began, went to the Mets, then on to Japan.
The Tides have filled the gaps with a two trades, some players from Double-A Binghamton and by moving relievers in the starting rotation.
Harrah was unavailable to comment on the loss of Cornelius, but apparently suspected it was coming.
``We've lost some outstanding pitchers and it's probably not done yet,'' he said earlier. ``And I don't see us getting any more help in the future.''
RACE OVER? With 32 games to go, is it time to concede the West Division title to the Tides?
Probably so, says Tom Runnells, whose Toledo Mud Hens lost two of three over the weekend in Norfolk.
``There's a long way to go,'' he said. ``But this is a great ballclub. They've got everything - pitching, hitting, great fielders.
``You hate to say the race is over, but I can't see this team blowing a lead like this.''
McCREADY BACK: Relief pitcher Jim McCready rejoined the Tides Monday from Binghamton. McCready was 1-1 with four saves and a 3.23 ERA in Binghamton. He has a 2.87 ERA in 13 appearances for Norfolk. by CNB