PVBL: Hartford Whalers
Whalers hit jackpot in draft, loaded with young pitching talent
Febuary 18, 1998

Hartford (AP)- There was a storm of cheers in the Whalers' war room following the free agent draft, along with countless handshakes and hugs. Rightfully so.

The defending World Champions had first managed to quietly round up 3 first round picks and then, skillfully, used them to further buffer an already stupendous pitching staff.

With their first pick, the fifth overall, the Whalers obtained 21-year-old, Livan Hernandez. The Cuban refugee already has a 68 AS, 77 EN and 69 CO.

With their second pick, the 19th overall, the Whalers snagged righty Kevin Millwood, aged 23. Millwood, surely a future starter, already carries high heat at 86 AS coupled with 66 EN and 54 CO.

With their final pick in the first round, the 21st overall, the Whalers nabbed righty Dan Consedine. Consedine has heat the likes of Roger Clemens with 98 AS and although his endurance isn't great yet (41) some conditioning should improve that. Hartford was impressed with the control (70) with which he hurled.

Hartford picked up another potential starter in the second round, Scott Brenzel. Brenzel's more of a project, however, at 44-37-59.

Of the draft and how his team is taking shape, Manager Jeremy Chrabascz had this to say:

"In Hernandez, Millwood and Consedine you have 3 potential All-Star starters that could front any rotation as 1, 2, 3. We consider ourselves very fortunate to have acquired them. We have been criticized on numerous occasions for the age of our team overall but I think we silenced the critics today. Thankfully, not only are all three of these guys tremendous prospects, but we don't even need to utilize them at the major league level right now. With others like Bob Ardell, Tony Saunders and the recently acquired Carlos Castillo and Mike Mimbs maturing, we actually have the luxury of keeping Hernandez, Millwood, and Consedine at the LOW minor league level for awhile. You can rest assured that Consedine and Hernandez would be some other clubs' #2 or #3 right away."

"We now find ourselves with an influx of quality starting pitching talent. I think this is a 'problem' many other teams would like to have. Certainly, with so many potential starters, there is less pressure on the #4 and #5 as they surely can be moved around often. Additionally, I can sleep well at night know ing that my middle and long relievers could start and win games on their own. In fact, with such a high quantity of solid pitching talent, choosing my original starting rotation for Opening Day is going to be difficult outside of Kevin (Brown) and Greg (Maddux)."

Indeed. However, going by the numbers, Hartford's starting 5 should end up looking like this:

Greg Maddux (64-80-99), Kevin Brown (74-82-95), Carlos Castillo (66-85-94), Bob Ardell (73-86-80) and Mike Mimbs (56-71-76).

Long relievers are sure to include: Cal Eldred (70-70-65), John Burke (75-69-70) and Jeff McCurry (75-63-72).

Middle relief should go to: Tony Saunders (60-68-75) and Rich Huisman (68-52-61).

The setup men may be: Jack Broskie (56-63-77), Tim Wakefield (46-89-65) and Jake Ruberto (69-28-52).

The closer will remain: Hipolito Pichardo (74-36-85) who had 28 saves last yr.

And yes, down in the minors somewhere they'll hide Hernandez, Millwood, Consedine and Brenzel.

As far as in the field and what the batting order will look like...Chrabascz said:

"It's tough to say what the exact order will be. I'm still undecided who'll play third but every other position seems solidified. We certainly have more depth and flexibility than we did last season as there are numerous guys able to play other positions than their natural ones well enough."

The projected lineup is:

DH Joe Carter
1B Rafael Palmiero
2B Randy Velarde
SS Kurt Abbott
3B ?? (Probably Chris Sabo or Harold Reynolds, although don't rule out Jay Bell)
LF Tony Phillips
CF Ken Griffey, Jr.
RF Derek Bell
C  Mike Stanley


Backups who should see some AB: C Joe Girardi, 2B Ryne Sandberg, SS Jay Bell, LF Daryl Strawberry, 2B Harold Reynolds and possibly some time for LF Derrick May.

On the block: Uncertain, although Hartford is very much in need of a solid, starting 3B. It certainly has enough pitching to offer someone as well as outfielders.

--written by Jeremy Chrabascz