Sea Dogs deal Newson, Acquire Girardi March 27, 1999
(AP) WASHINGTON--The Washington Sea Dogs, not wholly satisfied with the
state of the franchise despite the addition of Robin Ventura today, dealt
for catcher Joe Girardi from the Deadwood Outlaws.
"We needed another catcher," GM Aaron Weiner said, "and Girardi hits
lefthanders very well. We're going to use him strictly on that basis."
Girardi has never been very productive at the plate, but against lefties,
Girardi is batting at a reasonably robust .270 clip. He is expected to be
the platoon partner for Ben Petrick, Washington's starting catcher.
"It's not that we don't have confidence in Ben," Weiner said. "He had a
good year last year. But he's still very young."
Washington sent down catcher Eddie Perez to make room for Girardi.
However, Weiner said that may be a temporary move.
"We're probably going to carry three catchers, just in case," Weiner said.
"Perez will likely see a lot of time in the majors this season."
