Aloha 2005.09 - Jake Kestle signs as Haw's only free agent

[Al-Hoot]

Aloha Ka Punahou 2005.09


Former Vancouver foe Kestle signs with Hawai'i
Sidelined at least until August after surgery
Kestle to throw out first pitch on April Fool's Day against Club that gave up on him

February 10
Honolulu


Jake Kestle

Stitch Lilo, teams spokesperson, has confirmed reports that SP Jack Kestle has signed
as a free agent with the Hawai'i Tropics. Most fans of this decade will recall Kestle as
an arch-enemy starter for the Vancouver Mounties.

Kestle, who turned 33 today, signed a five-year contract, the first three years guaranteed
at $1m. The Austin, Texas native has appeared in five post seasons. In 11 major league
seasons, Kestle has averaged 33 starts, despite starting 10 less than that number last
year after being sidelined in August with a torn UCL in his pitching arm.

Kestle has had successful surgery but faces five more months of rehab before possibly
stepping on the mound for Hawai'i.

"Hell," Lilo said, "We might not see him pitch this year." Which means Kestle is getting $1m
this season to get accustomed to the islands.

New Tropics owner Charlie Hough has said Kestle is welcome to throw out the season-
opening first pitch on April Fool's Days in O'ahu against Vancouver.

Kestle admits his memory of four years with the Mounties was tarnished when former
Mounties owner released the pitcher after the extent of his injury became apparent.

"We don't throw our players under the pipeline," manager Al Chavez said.

[nverhoev]

You got a really good discount on him compared to other FA starting pitchers. Hopefully he can come back from that injury.

[salas]

Guy has 6-rated stuff with 2 4-rated pitches...I think Hawaii's in for a disappointment, because I bet something else drops off before he comes back. Best of luck, though...you'll need it

[Al-Hoot]

Guy has 6-rated stuff with 2 4-rated pitches...I think Hawaii's in for a disappointment, because I bet something else drops off before he comes back. Best of luck, though...you'll need it

Like he can be any worse than my other starters. Plus he might make a good relief pitcher conversion. And, hell, he's from my hometown.




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[scottsdale_joe]

Late responding, but I wish Kestle nothing but success.
He had his ups and downs with Vancouver, but overall he was a good guy to have in the rotation.

We didn't exactly throw him under the bus.
He wanted $5 million a year for four years to resign and he would miss almost the entire first year of that while he rehabed.
I offered him less (but significantly more than he eventually took with Hawaii) and he laughed at the offers.
What he got with Hawaii is realistic and well worth the risk.

By the way, I heard he threw out the first ball as planned in Hawaii's home opener and Jimmie Joe Janero, the new Mountie Class-A manager and former center fielder, hit it for a home run.