Hartford, CT (AP)- The Hartford Whalers' rookie "sensations" have been far
from sensational this season. Starting 1st year 2B Adam Riggs and starting
first year CF Chris Stynes are hitting .228 and .222, respectively, despite
their strong ratings. Riggs is listed as 58-66-56 and Stynes 49-55-65.
Riggs is 24, Stynes 26 and both are rookies. With no one of significance
to back them up, both were forced into starting roles. Manager Kevin
Kennedy had this to say of their progress, "Obviously, they're experiencing
some growing pains. We all know the talent is there and we needed them to
be put on the field right away. We're working as closely with them as we
can." The Whalers have even called in former Red Sox sluggers Dwight
"Dewey" Evans and Jim Rice to work closely with Stynes and Riggs on their
mechanics and psychological preparation. Of his progress, Riggs said,
"It's slow-going. I'll admit it." Stynes was a bit more up-beat, "I think
my defense has been solid and I've hit for a higher slugging percentage
than I think most expected me to." Despite whether or not either rookie
feels they are coming along well, the Whalers are making some changes.
"We're in the middle of a race for the division," commented owner Jeremy
Chrabascz, "we can't screw around or wait around." Therefore, Stynes has
been removed from the starting lineup in lieu of an Easley/Buhner platoon
for now and Riggs has moved up from #8 to #2 to "challenge him and hope he
responds," as Kennedy puts it. Chrabascz has clearly been frustrated with
the lack of offense exhibited by Hartford this season, despite the
excellent ratings of his players and their outrageous salaries that he went
out on a limb for in the offseason. "It's ridiculous," Chrabascz replied,
"I mean, we have a tremendous amount of power and contact-hitting. This
lineup is arguably the best overall ever assembled at any one, given time
in Hartford. I just can't understand it. I mean, like today for Yoshi to
go 8 2/3 and lose 2-1 has got to be excruciatingly painful for him. I feel
for him. Masato has the lowest ERA of our whole pitching staff outside of
Troy (Percival, 0.83) and yet he's 0-4. It all comes down to a lack of run
support, confidence and leadership. I didn't make any moves and I gave
these guys a challenge. So far, they haven't responded." When told of
Chrabascz's comments, veteran OF Reggie Sanders (.315) replied, "It's a
little harsh but not too far off the mark. We obviously haven't come
together or 'jelled' as much as we would have hoped. I'll see what Matt
(Williams) and I can do about it."
Hartford currently stands in third place in the McCoy Division, 1.5 games
back of Deadwood and 1 game back of Montreal.
Other Hartford News & Notes
Although no tradewinds are blowing in or out of Hartford, the Whalers *did*
sign quite a few players to minor league contracts earlier this week. Most
notable of the signees are veterans Billy Ripken, Billy Hatcher and Al
Diaz. They also signed 10 others guys, all rookies, all positional
players, and all under the age of 23. Hartford appears to have plucked
what was left of the "youngsters" on the free agent market. The average
age of players currently on the FA market would appear to be 32-35 yrs of
age. Ick. Former Whalers Enzo Biemiller, Hal Bocek, Bob Miller and John
Castino all return to the Hartford minor league roster tomorrow.
The Whalers, also in an attempt to boost offensive production, has
established two different batting orders vs lefties and vs righties for the
first time this season.
