Rhode Island Hawks

Opening Statement:: On Jan 29,1998 the franchise "Rhode Island Hawks" was born at the TCBA Winter Meetings in Lancaster, PA. Owner/Manager Rich Hawkins would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all members of the TCBA for the warm reception recieved. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with TCBA.
Personal Bio:: I'm 38 year old, married, wife Marianne.
2 step-daughters, Dawn and Stephanie both 21 (twins)
2 sons, Billy 15 and Danny 13
I was born and brought up in Johnston, RI, and currently live in Cranston, RI. I'm the President of Johnston Fall Baseball, and Vice President of the Johnston Babe Ruth League.
Personal interests: Baseball, Star Trek, Astronomy
E-mail Address: RHAWK@aol.com
Team Bio:: For the Hawks 1998 will be a year of building the foundation of a solid, competitive franchise for years to come. At the winter meetings this year they were hoping to use the Rookie Auction, and Free Agent draft to begin that task. In June, the Expansion Draft will be held, and preparations are already underway. Hopefully after the Expansion Draft the Hawks will have most of the piecies of the puzzle in place. Following the end of the 1998 season will be another oppourtunity at the 1999 winter meetings. Here the team will make final roster moves in preparations for play in the 1999 season.
Headlines from the 1998 TCBA Winter Meetings:

The Hawks went into the winter meetings looking to initiate a plan for the future. At the Rookie Auction, General Manager Rich Hawkins was looking for a player to impact the franchise for many years to come, and was elated to come away with Jose Cruz, Jr. In Jose the Hawks feel they acquired an impact player who will hopefully enjoy many outstanding seasons in a Hawks uniform.

Also at the Winter Meetings the Free Agent draft was held. Here the Hawks were again very successful, and are pleased to announce the following acquisitions:

Starting pitcher John Thomson, a 24 year old right handed pitcher, who showed in 1997 he may have all the tools to be the cornerstone of the Hawks starting pitching corps in 1999. Joining Thomson on the hill will be Mike Johnson, another young arm with a big upside. Veterans Rich Krivda and Rickey Bones round out the starting pitching selections.

In the bullpen the Hawks again were able to come away with two fine arms in the persons of Scott Sullivan and Clint Sodowsky. Both are young, hard throwing righties who will be counted on in a big way in 1999. Also aquired was Mike Bielecki who suffered arm injuries in '97, but when healthy can be an effective man in the pen.

Position players were few and far between, but despite the slim pickin's the Hawks acquired the services of some fine veterans. Catcher Brent Mayne will be counted on to handle the young staff in '99. He brings excellent defense to the team, and swings a good bat as well. Firstbaseman Hal Morris also comes on board, a veteran hitter who is looking to rebound from a power shortage in '97. Hal has always been a high average hitter and the Hawks hope he can turn things around in '99. The last player to announce is utility man Rex Hudler. Rex is the consummate man for all positions, and in all likelihood will be assuming that role for the Hawks.

The Expansion Draft:

Rhody went into the expansion draft with high hopes of stealing away some talent, and accomplished the goal of putting out an interesting team for the '99 season. Young talent was at a premium, thus the decision to bring in a veteran lineup, while building for the future through the rookie auction and free agent draft. The outfield looks like Brady Anderson, Brian McRae, and Jose Cruz, with Cal Ripken, Kevin Elster, Tony Fernandez, Hal Morris, and a combo of John Flaherty and Brent Mayne behind the plate. On the hill, Charles Nagy will lead a starting staff that includes Cal Eldred, and some nice arms in the pen with Arthur Rhodes, Jeff Brantley, Donovan Osborne, and Mike James. Manager Hawkins noted "I like our position players, and I believe we'll be OK with the gloves. We'll be looking to upgrade at shortstop. Offensively, I'd like to add some power in the middle. Of course, my number one priority will be to upgrade our pitching.

Projected Lineup:         Starting Pitchers           Bullpen
1. Brady Anderson        1. Charles Nagy            Arthur Rhodes
2. Tony Fernandez        2. John Thomson            Rickey Bones
3. Cal Ripken            3. Cal Eldred              Scott Sullivan
4. Brian McRae           4. Donovan Osborne         Clint Sodowsky
5. Jose Cruz                                        Jeff Brantley
6. Hal Morris
7. Brent Mayne/
    John Flaherty
8. Kevin Elster

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