Hartford and Tucson do secret deal for pick June 16, 1998
The Hartford Whalers and Tucson Border Patrol have completed the following
trade:
To Hartford:
Pick #2 (2B Adam Riggs, age 22, 53-59-56)
RHP Clint Faatz, age 22, 72-65-42
To Tucson:
RHP Hipolito Pichardo, age 25, 74-36-85
Owner/GM/Manager, Jeremy Chrabascz had this to say after the first round of the
draft, "Scott (Tucson) and I worked this out last night but everything
solidified after the midnight deadline. So, he agreed to draft Riggs for us.
We're extremely pleased with the deal. Faatz was the other guy we asked for
and we got him. Both of these players are young and although Faatz will need
some LOW minor time, Riggs will be our new 2B. Second base has been a big hole
for us all season. Sandberg just wasn't getting it done and Brito has been
suspect. Riggs is an immediate impact player who will be given shot."
On losing Pichardo (9 saves, 2nd in EL), Chrabascz said, "Well, sometimes you
have to take tough losses. Kevin (Brown) was one and Hip will be another.
However, we needed to get younger and we needed some greater overall depth.
Thankfully, in case no one has noticed, rookie Will Cunnane LEADS the EL with
10 saves for us. So, he'll become our permanent closer. However, he may
eventually start."
Hartford selected RHP Brian Rose with the 5th overall pick in the draft, a pick
obtained in the trade that sent Brown away. On obtaining Rose Chrabascz
commented, " We're extremely happy to have landed Brian (Rose). We honestly
didn't think he'd be available at #5. He's an immediate help pitcher and he'll
be given his opportunity to prove it. With Rose we could end up with the best
young staff in PVBL, even if we are another year or two away from another
title." Indeed. Hartford's starting rotation COULD feature youngsters Tony
Saunders, Arthur Rhodes, Kevin Millwood, Will Cunnane and Brian Rose. Not too
shabby at all. It should be noted that Cal Eldred, Ken Hill and Aaron Sele
will probably keep that from happening for a little while longer. However,
Rose is sure to replace Ardell in the rotation while Rhodes is expected to
replace Mimbs who will move to the pen for middle relief work.
