Royals' GM Concerned About League Stability October 18, 1998
MONTREAL (CP)--Just before the end of the season, two teams, the Cockeysville Crazies and the Laurel Lynx, announced they would be moving. Carbonetto is concerned that another wave of moves may be announced shortly, perhaps in late October.
Among the owners' complaints has been lack of support, lack of a fan base, and an unfeasable corporate market. "I think the problem rests more with the owners, not the fans or the corporate community. These owners are unable to take the initiative and develop a big league sports market themselves.
"Case in point: our team was once located in Washington, D.C., which had one of the largest fan bases in the PVBL. Unfortunately, the stadium was in an awful location and there was little or no promotion of the team. And [franchise owner] Sean Corwin quit before half the season was over."
"The PVBL is, without a doubt, the creme de la creme in major league sports. If the owners don't show a bit of compassion, it may undermine the viability of this league. Teams like Chicago, Thunder Bay and Houston may be struggling, but the fans will support their teams if the owners only do the same."
Carter Signed, Carbonetto Reelected
MONTREAL (CP)--The owners of the Montreal Royals conducted their annual board review yesterday behind closed doors. The owners made a assessment of the finances and the prospects of the Royals franchise.
Montreal software firm owner Peter Carbonetto has been voted hands down to continue as team president. The owners were happy with the progress of the club and they believed he handled the media well. "To be honest, I wasn't surprised they wanted me in for 1999," said Carbonetto after the meeting. "I'm not trying to sound over confident here... the owners know I work hard."
Manager Gary Carter was present at the meeting, and showed confidence in Carbonetto as General Manager.
"There are some fine GMs in the PVBL," said Carter, "and Peter is among the top in his class. We play in the most competitive division in all of baseball. Staying afloat for a second season in a row is a marked accomplishment.
"I haven't agreed with all his moves, but as long as we are improving, I can't complain. His big mistake was trading Roger Clemens, but he had little experience at that time."
Gary Carter will stay with the Royals for at least another season. He signed a one-year $200,000 contract with a one-year option worth $350,000. Pitching coach Tim Burke has accepted a 2-year extension to his contract. He was involved in the Royals' drastic improvement in pitching over last year.
Team president and GM Carbonetto didn't have any regrets about this season's turn of events, but he admits there will be even greater challenges facing them next year. "Unless there are some surprising changes in the offseason, I expect the we will have to be even more aggressive if we are going to come out on top.
"Edmonton tailed off at the end of the season, but they have a young offensive core that can only get better next year. Hartford can only improve, and Deadwood, if they keep their star players, will be tough to compete with."
Any moves planned for the offseason?
"I can't say I'm completely happy with the team's composition. We could use another solid reliever. We can't expect Hal Morris to play another 162 games, so we need a solid backup at first base. So far, Monahan has not performed up to his billing."
