PVBL: Hartford Whalers
Whalers Get What They Need...and Then Some!
January 8, 1999

Hartford, CT (AP)- The Whalers war room was ecstatic when, at #5, Hideki Irabu was still available in tonight's free agent draft. Thanks to a ton of no show's, the Whalers made out like bandits and partied late into the night with wide grins on their faces. Hartford filled every need, picking up 2 starting pitchers and a much-needed CF. Here's what Hartford got (according to Duluth GM Andy Lund who filled Chrabascz in upon his return from a concert with his wife):

-RHP Hideki Irabu, #5
-RHP Masato Yoshi, #13
-CF Chris Stynes, #15

In the last week, Hartford solidified its pitching staff by snagging Tom Gordon, Ken Hill, Ramon Martinez, Hideki Irabu and Masato Yoshi. There's a starting rotation right there, without even mentioning Tony Saunders, Kevin Millwood, Brian Rose or Will Cunnane who are sure to compete for the #4 and #5 spots. Simply put, GM Peter Gammons stated, "Pitching and defense win championships. We're sitting pretty at the moment. We're out to prove last season was a fluke."

Hartford also picke dup top OF prospect Chris Stynes (49-55-65) to start in center for the departed Brian McRae. Hartford's starting batting order ought to look something like this on Opening Day now:
1.) RF Socks Byrne    63-59-59
2.) C  Jason Kendall  73-41-54
3.) 2B Adam Riggs     58-64-56
4.) 1B Jay Buhner     50-99-26
5.) LF Reggie Sanders 48-81-57
6.) 3B Matt Williams  64-88-32
7.) SS Kurt Abbott    46-86-54
8.) DH Chris Hoiles   49-88-29
9.) CF Chris Stynes   49-55-65

Avg CH-55.6 Avg PH-73.4 Avg SP-48
Bench: Fred McGriff, Derrick May, Tilson Brito, Rod Lewis...

Starting pitching rotation: Who knows. Ken Hill, Tom Gordon, Ramon Martinez, Hideki Irabu, Masato Yoshi, Kevin Millwood, Brian Rose, Tony Saunders and Will Cunnane will all be competing for 5 spots. However, Cunnane will likely remain the closer (he had 25+ saves last season) and Yoshi might be brought along slowly as a long reliever, allowing Saunders to be the only starting lefty. We'll see....and keep you posted.

--written by Jeremy Chrabascz