Hartford (AP)- Finally, the news you've all been anticipating. Yes, All-Star
outfielders Ken Griffey Jr. and Gary Sheffield have been dealt by the defending
world champion Hartford Whalers. Here's the breakdown:
C Jason Kendall, RF Mark Whiten, 2nd Round Free Agent Draft Pick
Few people could be reached for comment but Sheff was stopped on his way home
from working out after hearing the news and said, "If they want to trade a
****ing franchise player away that's their prerogative. I'm not sticking
around the basement, though. I'm going to go win a ****ing pennant for Motor
City!"
Owner/GM/Manager Jeremy Chrabascz issued this brief statement through his
agent, "We're very sorry to see two players of such high caliber go but we're
currently taking our team in a new direction. We're very excited about the
young talent coming in, especially the draft picks. We have the makings of a
future contender. We know we have arguably the best catching prospect in PVBL
coming our way in Kendall. He's already one of the best contact hitters in the
game and that's good enough for me. We're also happy to have Mark (Whiten)
back in town. Sanders and McRae are also more than ample replacements in the
outfield. The next few months should prove very exciting, if not interesting,
for the Hartford Whalers organization."
Neither Griffey, Motor City or Washington could be reached for comment.
Hartford has traded Greg Maddux, Kevin Brown, Hipolito Pichardo, Scott
Brosius, Ken Griffey, and Gary Sheffield since the start of the season. Only
Tony Phillips and Joe Girardi remain from last year's championship squad.
All Phillips had to say from his apartment in Hartford tonight was, "We may not
BE the Florida Marlins but we sure are starting to feel like it."
Minor League News
Jeremy Chrabascz issued this brief statement about the minor leagues, "The
Hartford Whalers organization has decided, amid all the chaos of our injuries
and trades, not to pursue a minor league franchise at this time. We will
explore the option again next season."
