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Knights owner John Dybala has been hard at work this weekend, procrastinating from his studies and working out deals. Early Sunday morning, Dybala sent Socks Byrne and reliever Dario Veras to Punxatawney for outfielder Brian Giles and 1B Jack Broskie. The Knights owner also confirmed that this deal is likely to number 1B Rafael Palmiero's days in the friendly high-altitude confines of Larimer County Stadium. Palmiero reportedly signed his walking papers when he commented to a reporter that "the little guy ought to get off his ass and help us at least stay above .500." Dybala, who is 4'7" due to skeletal dysplasia, was reportedly not happy about being called "the little guy" and told Palmiero so in a meeting. An inside source said there was a definite chill in the air when the meeting ended, and not just because of the fall weather which has descended on Colorado this past week.
Dybala is reportedly engaged in talks for Jose Offerman and Harold Reynolds, along with other unspecified players. Palmiero's name is rumored to have come up repeatedly in those talks. Speculation has been raised that Palmiero's move to RF this week is intended to raise his potential trade value as a player with some fielding versatility.
Mark McLemore, inserted into the lineup to accomodate the loss of Jeff Branson, may be making a case for staying in the starting lineup once Branson returns. Both everyday 2B Randy Velarde and 3B Bill Mueller, acquired in the Benes trade earlier this season, have been a bit of a disappointment, both offensively and defensively. One of the deals Dybala seeks to make reportedly involves an outfielder, which would allow offensive standout Jim Edmonds to move to third base, leaving someone as an odd man out.. Who will it be? Even John Dybala himself isn't sure at this exact moment.
In closing, Dybala declared his support for Hartford owner Jeremy Chrabascz in his quest for compensation following the nullified deal for Jeff Bagwell. When questioned, he admitted that he was the owner involved in the trade that Cockeyesville owner Ian Preece mentioned in his recent show of support for Chrabascz. "Actually, it makes my support for Hartford even stronger. I realized I had badly screwed up. But at least I apologized to the league and to Ian and tried to do something about it. Tampa Bay should be honest and admit a mistake was made. For my part, I will not deal with him until he does that."
Written by John Dybala