Big Mac will join a lineup already sporting an avg PH aver 80, including
the top HR hitter in the EL, Andres Galarraga. Here are the details:
To Hartford: 1B Mark McGwire 63-99-16, Age 33
To Spokane: RHP Troy Percival 99-39-88, Age 26
1B Fred McGriff 58-79-35, Age 32
1st Round Free Agent Draft Pick
Percival's career stats: 2.11 ERA, 11-3 W/L, 54 Saves
McGwire's career stats: .305, 140 HR, 314 RBI
Spokane viewed Big Mac as "expendable" given they already had Brady
Anderson and Ken Caminiti and sought to trade the slowest guy on their
roster in the hope of finally attaining a solid closer. And that they did
in Percival. Hartford hoped to land some offensive punch to save the
Whalers' chances of climbing out of the cellar. Of the trade, Hartford GM
Peter Gammons briefly commented, "Normally, we would never have considered
trading Troy. He's one of the best, if not the best, closers in PVBL. But
when Big Mac's name came up we couldn't resist getting a deal done that
would put him, Big Cat and Buhner in the same lineup."
No word on who will replace Percival as closer but the top two candidates
would appear to be Will Cunnane, who had 22 saves as Hartford's closer last
season or youngster Kevin Millwood who has done better in more limited
action and is the second best fireballer to Flash Gordon on staff. Big Mac
is likely to assume a role at first, Buhner the outfield and Galarraga the
DH spot. CF Chris Stynes, the rookie who has struggled, will reportedly
continue to ride the bench in favor of Reggie Sanders, Jay Buhner and Socks
Byrne in the outfield.
Tradewinds
Hartford is still seeking to add some speed. Stay tuned.
