(AP) WASHINGTON, D. C.--The Washington Sea Dogs today dealt both their
remaining amateur draft picks to their most frequent trading partners, the
Medina Mustangs, in return for former Sea Dogs Bill Mueller.
"We have gotten an old, familiar face back," GM Aaron Weiner said. "It's
nice to have Bill back on the team."
Mueller, who was traded to Medina along with Pete O'Neill and Bill Coker
for Robin Ventura and John Olerud, is the first original Sea Dog to be
reacquired by the team.
Mueller said that it was a great feeling to be back in Washington.
"Well, after the wild-card and DL pennant last year, I was really
disappointed that the Sea Dogs traded me," Mueller said. "It's great to
be back in Washington, and I'm looking forward to chasing another
pennant."
Mueller, 25, has a lifetime average of .266, and was hitting .270 this
year when Washington re-acquired him. While Mueller has been more
productive this year than the man he was traded for, Ventura, manager
Aaron Weiner said that he wouldn't be taking over for Ventura.
"We didn't get Bill back to replace Robin; rather, we got him back to give
us some additional depth," Weiner said. "He's always been a great
defender and a good guy, and we're glad to have him back."
Chuck Knoblauch, who was distraught at the loss of his infield partner,
said that he was especially glad Mueller was again a Sea Dog.
"Oh yeah, it's incredible to have Bill back here," Knoblauch said. "I
mean, he's one of the guys I used to pal around with - there aren't a lot
of players left anymore like that."
Mueller is just the 3rd original Sea Dog on the active roster, the other
two being Knoblauch and reliever Fred Smith.
"It's not even close to the same group I used to know," Mueller said.
"But I can tell already that I'll fit back in here. This is a
championship-caliber squad, and I'll be pleased to play for these guys."
The manager said that Mueller would be used in a variety of roles.
"Well, Bill's a good defender," Weiner said. "We're going to play him all
over the diamond; shortstop, first base, left field, second base, third
base. He's certainly going to get a lot of at bats."
Washington finished the day at 45-19, best record in the PVBL. They now
have no amateur draft picks, and are reportedly not looking for any.
"Well...we're gonna take the team to an Aerosmith concert on October
ninth," Weiner said. "Thus, we weren't going to be able to make the draft
anyhow."
"We were going to send in a staggered list, but now we can just go and not
worry about it."
