Whalers land power hitter, dump youngster August 22, 1998
Hartford, CT (AP)- It had been no secret that Arthur Rhodes had been
struggling since returning to Hartford. In fact, Rhodes had blown almost every
save/hold opportunity and was really piling up the losses. He was clearly not
going to last in Hartford much longer and it came as no surprise when
GM/Owner/Manager Jeremy Chrabascz shipped him to Medina yesterday. Here's the
deal:
LHP Arthur Rhodes 90-68-81, Age 25
1st Round FA Draft Pick (Washington's)
2nd Round FA Draft Pick (Washington's)
*FOR*
1B Geronimo Berroa 60-90-28, Age 30
Chrabascz had this to say of the deal, "We've learned that too much youth can
hurt you as well. We gambled and we've lost. We're 16 games out and below
.500 Our youngsters will develop given time and our draft picks will help
tremendously but we needed some veteran punch added to our lineup. We had a
couple of good DH's in Joe Carter and Julio Franco but neither one have as much
life left in them as Berroa. Besides, we were looking for an everyday first
baseman and we've found one. Medina filled our need (for a 1B) and we filled
theirs (for a solid pitcher)." About the draft picks, Chrabascz said, "Well,
we've still got 4 first rounders and 3 second rounders total. I think we'll be
fine. If you notice, we didn't send them our picks, we sent them Washington's.
The Sea Dogs are having a much better season, obviously, and will pick lower.
I'm not stupid." He grinned.
TRADEWINDS
None. Chrabascz appears content to have finally landed a solid
offensive/defensive 1B and still has plenty of draft picks to play with.
