Bristol, CT (AP)- After weeks of speculation and rumors, Hartford Whalers Owner, Jeremy Chrabascz, announced in a press conference late last night that he had completed the buyout of the cable network, ESPN. The buyout of Disney's sports news network marks the second time a major league owner has also had majority control over a cable network (Ted Turner being the first). Of the move, Chrabascz said, "You have no idea how happy this makes me. Forget December 25th, TONIGHT was Christmas!" His wife, Cathy, by his side, Chrabascz spoke gleefully like a giddy schoolboy of his latest acquisition. Cathy, meanwhile, looked indifferent and could only roll her eyes at her husband's patheticness. Chrabascz also announced amidst cheers that, effective immediately, all Whalers away games would be covered nationally on either ESPN or ESPN2. Local television would retain coverage of home games. No other moves announcements were made but Linda Cohen was stopped on the way to her car and she simply said, "Whatever. I've got a job lined up with CNBC. I don't need a second-rate sports network." Chris Berman, from his home in Greenwhich, made this statement: "A new era has begun in Bristol. I am especially excited about Chrabascz's acquisition of the network and all New Englanders should be proud. After years of being diehard New England sports fans, Bostonians will finally get their do." It is already rumored that Chrabascz and ESPN plan to buyout NESN (New England Sports Network) as well as Sports Channel Northeast.
Two more to go
The Whalers have 2 more games of a 4-game home series with Deadwood to play today. Rookie Tony Saunders (3-0) goes in Game 1 while Cy Young candidate, All-Star Greg Maddux (13-2) goes in Game 2. Chrabascz has also shaken up the lineup a bit, putting Tony Phillips in left field with Girardi back in as catcher and Villanueva DH'ing. Tony Gwynn remains in right as Chrabascz has felt that he has "provided a spark" and that Mark Whiten, "needs to get his head straight."
Transactions
P Aaron Sele was put on the DL while P Greg Hibbard was moved up to PVBL as a long reliever in replacement of Tony Saunders who has assumed the 5th spot in the starting rotation.
