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In a much-anticipated move, Larimer Knights owner/GM John Dybala ended nearly a week of trade talks with the Hartford Whalers by sending power-hitting 1B Rafael Palmiero and journeyman 2B Randy Velarde to Hartford for 1B Todd Benzinger, 2B Harold Reynolds, and CF Lenny Dykstra. Velarde had been rumored to be on the trading block for some time, and Dybala publicly vowed to trade Palmiero after the veteran first baseman snidely referred to the team owner as "the little guy" during an interview.
Dybala had this to say this afternoon about the deal. "First of all, I must say it was a pleasure to be engaged in talks with Jeremy Chrabascz. He is pleasant to work with, even during sometimes stressful trade talks. We batted Mark Whiten's name around a bit and I expect to be reopening talks with Mr. Chrabascz when Whiten comes off the DL."
"I wish Rafael Palmiero the best of luck in Hartford. He is a fine player and I'm sure he will contribute there. I hated to give up his power, but we still have Jim Edmonds, we're getting some added help with Dykstra, and furthermore, I will not tolerate smart remarks from any player, particularly about my disability."
"I was a little nostalgic about letting Randy Velarde go. I remember going to Pawtucket Red Sox (the AAA farm team of the Boston Red Sox) games with my father many years ago and watching Velarde work his way up to the major leagues. Still, those memories are also part of the reason I went after Benzinger. I watched him work his way up the ladder as well, and it's a pleasure to have him here. I'm also hoping that having a veteran like Harold Reynolds will bring some wisdom and experience to the locker room."
Word is that Todd Walker is the most likely candidate for release to make room for the extra player, but this has not yet been definitely confirmed.
Written by John Dybala