Findley Sent to Edmonton in Exchange for Young Talent July 16, 1998
(AP) WASHINGTON, D. C.--The Washington Sea Dogs have traded pitching ace
Chuck Finley to the Edmonton Oil Kings in exchange for starting
centerfielder Mickey Kelly and pitching prospect Mike Baldwin, the Sea
Dogs announced today in a press conference before the All-Star Game.
Washington GM Aaron Weiner had some words for the media.
"Today, we lost a man who was an enormous part of the Washington Sea Dogs'
early successes, even as early as our inception into the league," Weiner
said. "However, we had a rare opportunity to acquire a pair of very
special prospects, Mickey Kelly and Mike Baldwin."
Weiner went on to add the framework of the deal was built off of the
recent deal with the Tampa Bay Mets in which the Sea Dogs acquired starter
John Burkett and DH Harold Baines.
"This deal was first made possible by our trade with Tampa Bay," Weiner
said. "We had reservations about dealing Finley, who is and has always
been one of the league's finest pitchers. But when we acquired
John Burkett, we felt that we could shop Finley."
Weiner also added that this trade wasn't meant to imply that the Sea Dogs
were waiting until next year.
"You're kidding, right?" Weiner asked. "Kelly's batting .288 with 22
steals, and my best guess is he's gonna bat #2 in our order. He should
make a really fast impact."
When asked why he made the trade, Weiner was very clear.
"Because it's not every day that you get a chance at future stars like
Mike Baldwin and Mickey Kelly," Weiner said. "Baldwin is our closer of
the future, and Kelly is going to be our #2 hitter for years to come."
When asked why the Sea Dogs would trade a pitcher who was among the most
consistent starters the last two seasons, Weiner was very vague.
"Well, we worked out some contract issues for after the season," Weiner
said, "and we found out that if Finley was a catalyst for the wild-card,
he might bolt to another team. Kelly and Baldwin still have option
years."
Weiner also added that the Sea Dogs were not looking to make any more
trades.
"That's it, we're done," Weiner said. "Kaput. We have a star or a
potential star at every position on the diamond, we have a fully stocked
rotation and pen, we have depth and diversity and speed and defense.
We're finished."
When asked if this also meant the Sea Dogs would not try to acquire any
help for the pennant run, Weiner confirmed that.
"Nope, we're not gonna go get anybody either," Weiner said. "We get Chad
Ogea back for September and Ernie Young off the DL in a couple weeks, and
that's it. We're satisfied with our depth."
However, Weiner added that if anyone wanted to offer for one of the Sea
Dog players, it was still possible to obtain them.
"We're certainly not actively searching...but if anyone offers, we'll at
least listen," Weiner said."
All-Star Notes
The Sea Dogs were very upset at the handling of Barry Larkin and Ben
McDonald during the All-Star Game.
"To send Ben in right away, not warmed up, not ready for anything...that's
a travesty," Washington manager Aaron Weiner said. "And to pitch Larkin?
That's even more preposterous. We're pleased at the apology by Vero
Beach, but one has to wonder whether he's getting a little nervous."
Weiner, however, will take no reprecussions against Jason Gohlke, the Vero
Beach and also DL All-Star manager.
"We're just glad that nobody got hurt," Weiner said. "We would have been
livid otherwise."
