Tucson completed a major trade today with the Hartford Whalers.
Tucson sent the #11 pick overall and RHP Clint Faatz to Hartford for
closer Hipolito Pichardo.
"Trading that pick (Adam Riggs) to Hartford was a difficult decision.
Riggs would have been blocked in our system. Ray Durham will be our
second baseman for a long time. What we really needed was a closer.
Eck and Allison have been doing ok, but how long will that keep up?"
owner/GM Scott Watterson.
Tucson selected SS Damien Jackson with the 4th overall pick. Tucson
then proceeded to stock up on pitchers, selecting 19 year old righty
Gary Muich with the 10th pick. "Gary's got a great fastball, and he's
got a decent change and curve. He should develop into a solid
pitcher. We can always use a guy like that. Damien's going to jump
right in a short for us. Mathius has really been scuffling." Lund's
time may be running out, and Tucson is now taking offers for both he
and Grudzielanek. Frank Allison may also be on the block, as he is
rumoured to be unhappy with his role in the bullpen.
Tucson selected another 19 year old pitcher, Buck Shields, as well as
20 year olf Rudy Freeman.
"We're very pleased with the way the draft turned out. Some of the
pitchers we picked up should turn into very good players in a few
years. They all need some time in the minors to work on their
control, but all have a good deal of potential" said Watterson.
