Hartford, CT (AP)- With today's loss to Montreal, the Hartford Whalers have
opened the season even at .500 through the first 10 games, 5-5. Owner Jeremy
Chrabascz stuck by his word and waiting 10 games before evaluating his team's
performance and making any changes. However, today the changes came fast and
furious after Chrabascz consulted with GM Peter Gammons and Manager Kevin
Kennedy. Here's what new/different:
- It was determined that Reggie Sanders needed to be lower in the lineup and
Matt Williams and Jay Buhner higher because of their CH ratings.
- It was also determined that Adam Riggs would hit 9th to prevent the bottom
of the order from being a complete, non-productive drop-off point.
- It was also determined that Fred McGriff was an ineffective DH day-to-day and
Chris Hoiles would resume his daily role as DH in the 8th spot.
- Ramon Martinez and Kevin Millwood were both removed from the starting
rotation to be replaced by veteran Aaron Sele and rookie Masato Yoshi.
Here's how things look now:
Rotation: Ken Hill (0-2), Aaron Sele (0-0), *Hideki Irabu (2-0), Tom Gordon
(2-0), *Masato Yoshi (0-0)
Long Relief: Will Cunnane, Brian Rose
Middle Relief: Ramon Martinez, Kevin Millwood
Setup: Mike Mimbs, Jeff McCurry
Closer: Troy Percival (3 saves)
Batting Order: Jason Kendall, Socks Byrne, Matt Williams, Jay Buhner, Reggie
Sanders, Kurt Abbott, *Chris Stynes, Chris Hoiles, Adam Riggs
