Ed Whitson’s career is best defined by the series of transactions involving him. A promising prospect for Pittsburgh, Whitson was a key to the deal that sent Bill Madlock to the Pirates and brought them a World Championship. After the 1981 season, he went to Cleveland for veteran second baseman Duane Kuiper. He spent a frustrating year in the Indians’ bullpen before moving to San Diego for Juan Eichelberger and Broderick Perkins. After an injury-riddled 1983, Whitson attained his best season in 1984, going 14-8 with a 3.24 ERA. He was the first pitcher to win a postseason game for San Diego, the crucial third game of the Championship Series against the Cubs. He made a disastrous mistake by signing with the Yankees as a free agent for 1985. The high-priced pitcher was virtually booed out of town after failing to live up to his price tag. Traded back to San Diego, he was the Padres’ top winner in 1987 (10-13) and 1989 (16-11).
