Galena, IL--Galena went into the offseson with two less personnel. Galena
lost free agent Brant Brown, who signed earlier today with Duluth. Galena
also lost assistant GM Sarah Gordon. Gordon took a head GM position with the
Sacramento Knights, "I wish Mrs. Gordon the best of luck," said Galena
owner/GM Matthew Peck, "I think she was able to learn a thing or two from
this Galena organization, and she should do a great job over in Sacramento.
There are good times ahead for that team."
Mr. Peck was a bit more concerned about Brant Brown's departure, "Brown
had his breakout year last season, hitting over .300 and stealing over 30
bases. We really wanted him back, but we couldn't match Duluth's offer."
Brown was not too happy with the Galena organization, one of the reasons
he departed, "Galena is a great ballclub, but they didn't use me right! I
should be playing 162 games per year at ONE position. Either 1B or LF. Peck
used me more as a utility player because I'd be playing the OF one day and
1B the next. Duluth will give me more stability."
Despite the loss of a quality player like Brown, the Hamsters have no
worries, "We kick butt!" admitted CF Kenny Lofton, "We have kick ass depth.
We have more outfielders than we know what to do with. I hate to see Brownie
go, but hey, it's his loss!"
"They tell me I'm gonna be starting at 1B against right handers," said
1B Ben Grieve, "The club is confident I can fill the void left by Brown, and
Wilton Guerrero can pick up some of the slack as well." Guerrero is expected
to play 1B vs lefthanded pitchers.
The Hamsters have also made a minor move to help compensate for the
loss of Brant Brown. Earlier today, SS Jeff Blauser was traded to the world
series champion Deadwood Outlaws for LF Rich Amaral and Deadwood's 2nd round
compensation draft pick. This trade substantiates rumors that other
outfielders may be traded away, possibly Bernie Williams, Reggie Sanders, or
even Kenny Lofton.
HAMSTER TRADE NEWS:
Hamsters have traded SS Jeff Blauser to Deadwood for LF Rich Amaral and 2nd
round compensation draft pick.
