Phoenix trades veteran Amaral for youth January 20, 1998
Pending league approval, Phoenix owner and GM Patrick Bridges
announced his team's first off-season trade.
Phoenix has agreed to send experienced veteran and leadoff man Rich
Amaral, young power hitter John Wojcik, and it's second round
free-agent pick (the 54th pick overall) to the Sacramento Knights for
second-baseman Mike Lansing, outfield prospect Shannon Stewart, and
the Knight's second round free-agent pick (the 31st pick overall).
The Phoenix GM stated that this was a move toward youth for the Gila
Monsters. "Rich Amaral was a powerful force on our team who scored
lots of runs in front of our big bats. We're sorry to see him
go. We're also sorry to see Wojcik, who has worked his way up through
our team, go."
Analysts stated that Wojcik's trade was inevitable, given the number
of young OF prospects like Bob Abreu, James Brosius, and Damon Buford
in the Phoenix system. How Shannon Stewart will fit in that mix is
unclear at the moment, although it is obvious that someone is headed
to the DH job recently vacated by Henry Rodruigez. The 1B job may also
be open if rumors surrounding the trade of Paul Molitor are true. Also
unclear is how Mike Lansing, Pat Meares, and Mark Lewis will split up
infield duties. Speculation is that Phoenix has another move up its
sleeve.
Rumors are still swirling that 3B Todd Ziele is still available, and
that the Gila Monsters were still looking for a good free agent or
draft pick.
