Washington trades for two more relievers July 9, 1998
In another move to try and shore up the pitching staff in the absence of
Nigel Fernandez and Chad Ogea, the Washington Sea Dogs have acquired
relievers Paul Kilgus and Delino Wilson from the Tampa Bay Mets for
minor-leaguers Rico Brogna and Al Harshman.
Washington General Manager Aaron Weiner talked about the move.
"Paul Kilgus and Delino Wilson are veteran arms who are immensely
talented," Weiner said. "Kilgus is a very crafty lefthander out of the
pen, a guy who we hope will rebound from some struggles earlier this year.
Delino Wilson had a very good year last year, and we expect no less out of
him this year."
Of the four, only Kilgus has been in the majors this season, giving up a
7.82 ERA in 25 innings, earning his demotion. He had asked for a trade
from Tampa upon being sent to AAA.
"I'm really happy to be back in the majors again," Kilgus said, "and I'm
honored that a contender like Washington felt that I could help their
ballclub."
Kilgus is expected to be in the majors, at the very least, until superstar
reliever Nigel Fernandez is back from injury. Wilson is expected to take
over the setup role for Bubba Veres, who has been immaculate, and Veres
will move into the more demanding middle relief role.
"I understand that I might be demoted again," Kilgus said, "but while I'm
here, I can certainly make the best of my situation."
Despite the fact that Harshman, a former first round pick, and Brogna had
to be given up, Weiner was optimistic.
"We gave up a really hard thrower in Harshman, a guy with great tools,"
Weiner said. "And Brogna might have been our first baseman in a couple
years. But we have a very deep base of young talent, and giving up some
of that talent for additional relief help seemed prudent at the time."
Weiner also added that this may not be the last move for the Sea Dogs this
week.
"We've been talking to teams," Weiner said, "about acquiring one or two
more arms. We've seen a huge rise in production offensively since we were
able to move Chuck Knoblauch back to the leadoff spot, and that's what has
really spurred our winning streak."
The Sea Dogs won again yesterday to move their record to 45-37.
Washington will play host to division-leading Phoenix for a four-game set
before going to the All-Star Break.
"If we can get a 3-1 with Phoenix," Weiner said, "we think we might have a
shot not only at the wild card, which we're leading by a game and a
half now, but perhaps even at the division. It's gonna be tough, though;
the Firebirds are playing really tough baseball."
