Washington Acquires Vizquel, Taubensee August 23, 2000
(AP) WASHINGTON--After being thoroughly critized for his actions near the
trading deadline, Washington Sea Dogs GM Aaron Weiner pulled off a deal
that may save his job for several years to come.
Washington traded outfielder Reggie Sanders and shortstop Kurt Abbott to
the New Diggens Budweiser Frogs for shortstop Omar Vizquel and catcher
Eddie Taubensee.
"We have finally acquired the #2 hitter we have sought," Weiner said.
Vizquel has hit .285 for New Diggens with 11 homers and 43 RBI this season
from the leadoff spot. A career .295 hitter, his numbers are actually
down this season but he has paid more attention to his defense.
"I've concentrated on being a more consistent defender," said Vizquel, who
has a .976 fielding percentage in 2000. "I think I'm maturing more at the
position and I know what plays I can make and which ones I can't."
This move is likely to be met with no resistance by the Washington fans,
as neither Sanders nor Abbott were recieved with much fanfare. Sanders
especially has slumped badly since becoming a Sea Dog, and the Sea Dogs
were somewhat relieved to have him out of town.
"He had envisioned himself as some kind of savior to the offense, and that
wasn't the type of player we needed here," manager Aaron Weiner said. "He
was really pressing at the plate, trying to hit 5-run homers."
Abbott was a tougher departure, as he had hit five home runs as a Sea Dog
in just over a month. But Weiner said that there wasn't much deliberation
about it.
"Omar fits well into the offensive scheme we've always tried to have
around here," said the GM. "He's speedy, he hits for average, he has
power."
Weiner had taken a lot of heat for dealing shortstop Bary Larkin, one of
the best-hittin shortstops in the majors, earlier this season. However,
the GM said that he had no outside nor organizational pressures to make
this move.
"I don't get affected by what anyone else says," Weiner said. "The only
person I have to answer to is myself, and I thought we needed this move."
Washington also acquired catcher Eddie Taubensee, who is expected to take
over the backup catching role. This will likely relegate Ben Petrick, the
struggling youngster to the bench.
"Eddie Taubensee has had a down year at the plate, but has continued to
hit lefthanders," Weiner said. "Bill Lesley will move into the starting
catcher position for now, and Ben will be available for spot duty."
Washington has no plans for Petrick right now, and there are thoughts
around the league that the prospect may be traded.
But Weiner says that the backstop will not be moved and that, in fact, the
Sea Dogs are likely done.
"We feel like we've done enough," Weiner said. "We could maybe use one
more outfielder, but it would be a tough call."
One Sea Dog who might have been angry but is reportedly serene is
shortstop Jeff Blauser, who had just taken over more of the playing time.
Blauser will likely start in left field.
