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Larimer Knights owner John Dybala, after returning from a friend's wedding this afternoon, announced this afternoon that he is involved in trade talks with two or three teams and is waiting to hear from approximately five other teams about players who might be on the trading block. Among the players rumored to be on his trading block are 1B Rafael Palmiero, 2B Mark McLemore, 2B Randy Velarde, 3B Bill Mueller, RF Orlando Merced, and closer Dario Veras. 3B Jeff Branson, currently on the DL recovering from a scratched cornea, is also tradeable if any team is willing to wait a couple of weeks to use him. Dybala primarily seeks left-handed pitching and defensively-solid middle infielders.
One thing Dybala is beginning to breathe a little easier about is pitching. Rookie right-hander Steve North rebounded from a horrendous debut where he gave up 4 earned runs in 2/3 of an inning and shut out Phoenix for 7 innings, giving up just 3 hits to earn his first win.
Still, word is Dybala would like to do something about the lack of left-handed pitching in the rotation. The only lefty in the starting rotation is Chris Haney. He has been largely ineffective for the Knights and only started the first game of today's doubleheader, a game the Knights ultimately lost 10-9, because of the injury to Alan Benes.
The Knights did get one piece of good news today. Catcher Curry Powell, sent to the AAA Morgan Kings on a rehab assignment, will be returning to Laporte tomorrow night and will take over the everyday catching duties from Victor Lezcano, who has been solid defensively but largely ineffective at the plate. Chris Hoiles continues to recover from his injuries and is expected back shortly, along with pitcher Jose Lima and shortstop Pokey Reese, who will be eligible to come off the DL at the end of next week. Dybala had wanted him back sooner, but could not place Reese on the DL retroactive to the date of his injury.
Written by John Dybala