(AP) WASHINGTON, D. C.--Nearing the trade deadline, the Washington Sea
Dogs made their move, acquiring reliever Arthur Rhodes for left fielder
Johnny Damon and minor-leaguer Andre Hacker.
Washington General Manager Aaron Weiner was pleased about the deal.
"We were a bit surprised to see Arthur's name out there," Weiner said.
"Dealing a young, lefthanded pitcher didn't seem like Jeremey Chrabascz's
cup of tea. But he was displeased with Rhodes's ability to close games,
and that's what prompted the deal."
Rhodes had been very effective in the rotation, as 11 of his 16 starts
were quality outings. And although it would seem the fireballing lefty
would be more suited for the pen, manager Aaron Weiner wasn't sure.
"We're going to use Rhodes as our closer for right now," Weiner said, "but
in the case that he continues to struggle, he may be moved back to the
rotation for the homestretch. We are on a four-man rotation right now,
and adding a pitcher of the caliber of an Arthur Rhodes will certainly
promote the effectiveness of the rotation."
Rhodes also seemed to be glad to be in Washington.
"I'm just pleased to be part of an organization such as the Sea Dogs,"
Rhodes said. "I hope I can help them win a pennant this year. It'll be
great to be in the playoffs."
Rhodes will be called down to AAA Towson and be called up before rosters
expand on the 31st.
"We're just going ot make sure he's physically okay before the move takes
place," Weiner said. "I've experienced a lot of unusual occurences with
players playing on the day after trades."
Taking Damon's place on the major-league roster will be Warren Newson, who
will likely be brought up when rosters expand. Also likely to make an
appearance will be Mike Baldwin, Buddy Moisan, veterans Shawn Boskie,
Eddie Perez and Curtis Wilkerson, and possible others.
"We hated to trade Damon," said the GM, "but the truth is, we're starting
to look at ourselves as real contenders after we swept Phoenix. We think
Rhodes might just be that final piece to the puzzle that makes it click."
Washington started the day at 74-52 and in firm command of the wild-card,
11 games ahead of Duluth.
"We hated to deal a guy like Johnny Damon," Weiner said, "but we're
thinking World Series this year, and Damon just wasn't cutting it. We
know we'll miss him down the road, but we just hope he'll be happy in
Hartford."
Washington Changes Politics
By Aaron Weiner
Washington Toast Staff Writer
The memories of last year's mistakes long since past, the Washington Sea
Dogs have seemingly begun changing their tune. With the acquisition of
Arthur Rhodes, the Dogs sent a message that they were no longer under-Dogs
to the Washington fans.
During this season, Washington General Manager Aaron Weiner has played a
complicated game of mix-and-match, and though he has been criticized more
than once for potentially breaking up team chemistry, one cannot argue
with the results. The Sea Dogs are all but in the playoffs, and Weiner
has to take the credit.
"I don't know what to make of the team," Weiner said, "but I do know that
we have enough of a talent base that we were able to deal a guy like
Johnny Damon in exchange for a possible chance at the World Series."
Does this sound like the same man who last year, in contention for the
selfsame wild card, essentially threw in the season for a pile of magic
beans? Is this the same general manager who thought that rebuilding would
be the only way to salvation?
In a sense, Weiner is countering a very unpopular move a month ago, when
he dealt away ace starter Chuck Finley for Mickey Kelly and Mike Baldwin.
Rhodes is no Chuck Finley; however, Damon is also no Mickey Kelly. But
what Rhodes is, or should be, is a truly strong-armed pitcher who should
benefit from playing on a contending team.
"It'll be a real bonus for me not having the game on the line all the
time," Rhodes said. "I mean, I know they're making me the closer, but
they've got some really good middle relievers too, so I ought to be
somewhat protected."
Protected? These are the same guys who dealt Dino Rigopolous for Chris
Holt. It's not even certain, or likely, that Rhodes will be protected at
the end of this season in the free-agent plan. Washington has to protect
Knoblauch, Larkin and McDonald, and it would seem that Sheffield is the
logical franchise player.
But for now, Arthur Rhodes will help to lead the charge to the promised
land. And Johnny Damon will just be another name that passed through the
gates of Washington, another can't-miss prospect traded.
And Weiner's opinion?
"Well, I'm either going to look very smart or very foolish after the
season," Weiner said. "If we go all the way, I'll be kicking myself all
summer. But I think we have a good shot now."
