Whalers Drop 2, Drop Into Last Place June 13, 1999
Hartford, CT (AP)- After taking 2 of 3 in defending World Champion Galena's
backyard less than a month ago, Hartford has dropped 2 in a row in its own
backyard behind the continuing inconsistency of its pitching staff and a
strangely anemic offense. The "Dewey" Evans managerial era has gotten off
to a mediocre 2-2 start. After trouncing the injury-plagued Anchorage
Abominations on the road, the Hartford Whalers lost 4-0 and 10-9 (11
innings) today. In Game 1, Hartford rookie Masato Yoshi (2-7, 3.25) took
another tough loss with no run support behind him. Despite being
Hartford's only consistent starter since being placed in the rotation,
Yoshi has won only 2 of his 10 starts. Yoshi didn't comment on the matter
after the game as he simply shrugged and disappeared into the clubhouse,
clearly disappointed. Game 2 saw the offense wake up a little bit but
Kevin Millwood came out of the bullpen and allowed 4 earned runs in the top
of the 11th to take the loss of Ken Hill's hands. Nothing seems to be
working for Hartford, which has fallen 10 1/2 games out of first and into
last place in the McCoy division. The Whalers have gone 3-7 in their last
ten and are 5 games below .500. GM Peter Gammons claims, "we have the
talent to win it all just not the right chemistry." Well, someone better
get out their erector set right quick!
Transactions
In an attempt to shore up its pitching staff, Hartford has made some
changes of note. Clint Faatz, Aaron Sele and Ramon Martinez were all sent
down to AAA Glastonbury (CT) for rehabilitation to work with AAA pitching
coach Bruce Hurst. Meanwhile, pitchers John Burke, Jack Broskie and John
Hunter have been recalled to take on significant roles in Hartford's pen.
Hartford has also altered its batting order, once again. Chris Hoiles has
become the full-time catcher and Jason Kendall has taken position at first
base. The most notable change has been the permanent pulling of rookie CF
Chris Stynes who has struggled all season to maintain a batting average
just above .200. Reggie Sanders will take over in center while Jay Buhner
assumes right field duties and Socks Byrne left. Matt Williams, Adam
Riggs, Kurt Abbott and DH Andres Galarraga remain unaffected by the recent
changes.
Tradewinds
The Hartford Whalers have reportedly sent out calls and letters to every
PVBL team seeking speed (someone of 70 sp or better) and a solid starting
pitcher, preferrably a #1-3 guy. The Whalers are also willing to settle
for an amateur draft pick between 1-15 which may satisfy one of the
above-listed needs. In return, the Whalers have been willing to discuss
just about everyone on the team except Galarraga, Sanders, Stynes, Riggs,
Kendall, Byrne, Buhner, Hill, Gordon, Yoshi, Irabu and Percival. However,
rumor has it that NO ONE has been ruled out of a possible deal and, in
fact, people such as Percival and Sanders have come up in recent trade
talks. It is highly recommended that anyone seeking to make moves contact
Hartford first.
