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LAPORTE, CO, August 29, 1997:
Larimer Knights owner John Dybala has this advice for the owners inquiring about Andy Benes: he's no longer on the trading block. This afternoon, Benes was traded to the abruptly pitching-strapped Brooklyn Flaming Skulls for second baseman Mark McLemore, outfielder Orlando Merced, third baseman Bill Mueller, and lefty reliever Mike Holtz.
Dybala, along with assistant GM Allison Cashwell, held a brief interview in his driveway before leaving for Denver International Airport to greet the new arrivals. Asked how Benes took the news, Dybala replied, "He was very professional about it. I told him up front that he was on the trading block, and that if I was going to fill the other needs of this team, he would likely go. I wish him the best of luck in Brooklyn."
Mark McLemore's arrival in Laporte is marked by questions about his attitude and his playing. He was traded to Larimer a day after demanding to be traded from Brooklyn, and he is batting under .200. Dybala maintains that McLemore will perform in a backup role.
"Manager Don Baylor indicated to me that he was going to try Todd Walker at second while inserting Mueller into third base right off the bat. This way, we can try juggling the lineup and defense a bit and see what else we have to work with." Asked if this places current 2B Randy Velarde or possibly even Walker on the trading block, Dybala shrugged and said, "We'll see what happens. Allison and I have both mapped out some possibilities and we invite other owners to contact us with other trade offers."
Bill Mueller and Orlando Merced, both offensive and defensive standouts, bring much-needed improvement to the Knights defense, and they bring solid bats to the offense, which will be much needed in Andy Benes's absence. Mike Holtz brings the relief pitcher Dybala sought to trade for, and the lefty will likely be the number one setup man behind closer Dario Veras.
To make room on the roster, 2B Jim Lynch, SS Mule Burks, and RHP Dave Ragland were released.
The interview closed on a non-baseball-related note. Dybala and Cashwell, who are both single, were asked to confirm or deny rumors that they were discussing marriage. They had no comment.
Written by John Dybala