(AP) Ann Arbor - Today the AllKnighters inked a deal with Hartford
that would send power hitting RF Jay Buhner to Ann Arbor. Buhner joins
the AllKnighters filling the teams biggest void. The AllKnighters have
tried a handful of players at the postition. In exchange for Buhner the
AllKnighters sent prospects SS Orlando Cabrera and P Pete Wilson along
with their #1 FA pick to Hartford.
"We are really pleased to have such a presence added to our lineup.
All season we have been doing it with smoke and mirrors, manufacturing
runs moslty without the use of the long ball. This really gives us a
boost," said manager Buddy Bell. "Buhner, in addition to being a power
threat, is also a top notch run producer. His defense and arm are also
an improvement. We weren't unhappy with Matt Lawton's play, but nagging
injuries have really hindered him. It will do him some good to work
behind such an accomplished vet."
GM Michael Kennedy also talked about the deal, "Sure we gave up
potentially three young solid players, but both Orlando and Pete were
buried at least three deep on our depth charts. We will miss the draft
pick most, but we feel neither of the three players(including the draft
pick) will end up in Jay's class. Buhner can lend a veteran touch to our
very young and talented team. He is only 31 and could be here for a
while."
"Jay had been having an untypical year for himself, but things have
been down in Hartford most of the year. He goes from a team that had a
lack of speed to a team containing one of the best trios of table
setters in the league in Eric Young, Quinten McCraken and Johhny Damon.
We fully expect him to explode in our very blue collar offense."
In other news Ron Choate replaces rookie Desi Relaford as the
everyday SS. Relaford was solid, but lacked the glove and power of
Choate.
Rumor also has it that the AllKnighters may not be done dealing, and
may be looking to add some relief pitching and some power at the catcher
position. Likely candidates to move are Dario Veras, Mike Baldwin, Jeff
Kent, Desi Relaford, Steve Sax, George Eave and Dwight Gooden.
Lineup vs RH
1 2B Eric Young .327 10 HR 24 SB in 76 games
2 LF Quinten McCraken .326 11 HR 54 RBI 36 SB
3 CF Johnny Damon .300 14 HR 58 RBI 24 SB
4 1B Scott Stahoviak 10 HR 41 RBI in 74 games
5 RF Jay Buhner 17 HR 49 RBI
6 3B Shane Andrews .311 21 HR 70 RBI
7 DH Tony Phillips .314
8 SS Ron Choate .270 6 HR 22 RBI in 51 games
9 C Girardi not much to say hear. Good speed
