Washington Announces Its Protected List October 12, 1998
(AP) WASHINGTON--The Washington Sea Dogs announced that they had submitted
their protected list to the league office today.
"We have chosen the 24-and-under plan," GM Aaron Weiner said, "and as a
result, we were able to protect four players under the plan above 24.
We have chosen Barry Larkin, Chuck Knoblauch, and Ben McDonald to be
protected outright, and have franchised Lance Johnson."
Washington was able to protect all of its young talent, like Johnny Damon,
Mickey Kelly, Ben Petrick, Mackenzee Leefenhaufenhauz, Shawn Estes, and
Chad Ogea.
However, missing from the protected list are some very big names. All
three of the team's best relievers, Ben Hamlin, Bobby Ayala and Nigel
Fernandez, are absent. John Burkett and cleanup hitter Harold Baines are
unprotected, as is catcher Mike Stanley.
Weiner said, however, that he was truly concerned with Hamlin.
"Well, we paid a pretty good price to get the guy," Weiner said. "He's
got great pitches, and solid ratings...he's just a really solid pitcher.
He's our first backup starter and our best reliever."
Weiner assured the Washington fans that they were covered in any case,
however.
"I wouldn't worry too much about losing anyone," Weiner said. "It may
mean we don't contend next year, but we've built a tremendous talent base
here in Washington. We'll be back on top no matter who we lose."
