Doug Dascenzo said he plans to call National League President Bill White on Friday to ask for an explanation about why Cincinnati`s Rob Dibble was only fined and not suspended for throwing a ball at Dascenzo as he ran out a squeeze bunt July 23 in Wrigley Field.
”I`d like to know what tape he`s watching,” Dascenzo said. ”It just doesn`t seem to mix right. If he`s being fined, then White must think he`s guilty. Why isn`t he suspended?”
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Dascenzo wasn`t sure White would even accept his call, but he planned to try anyway. ”It can`t hurt to call, can it?” he said.
Dascenzo`s teammates Thursday put the finishing touches on a letter to White complaining that Dibble ought to have been suspended.
Hit by a Kruk: Joe Girardi learned early Thursday that he had broken his nose in a collision with John Kruk at the plate Wednesday night. Kruk planted his shoulder in Girardi`s face trying to score on a bouncer to first base, but Girardi held onto the ball.
Girardi had a little trouble breathing but otherwise was available Thursday afternoon. He didn`t even have black eyes, although the trainers said those could be coming.
A concerned Kruk called Girardi at the Cubs` hotel late Wednesday and left a message. Girardi missed the call, but said he held no grudge against Kruk.
On 2nd thought: Dascenzo has been tweaked by his teammates since giving himself an ”A-plus” grade on a midseason evaluation. The outfielder also has been hitless in 28 at-bats since giving himself that glowing mark.
This week, Dascenzo asked to revise his report card.
”A-plus is as good a grade as you can get, and I definitely had room to improve,” Dascenzo said. ”I`ve been more like a `B,` going on an `F-minus.` ”
Harkey, SS? Mike Harkey played shortstop Thursday. Actually, he took grounders there and threw to first base as part of an exercise to strengthen his shoulder. ”It helps him with his mechanics,” assistant trainer Dave Cilladi said. Harkey, who underwent shoulder surgery May 2, is still weeks away from throwing off a mound.
Grace extends streak: Mark Grace singled to stretch his hit streak to 14 games, a Cub season high.