Sacramento Finishes Spring Training 8-23 March 27, 1999
After finishing spring training 8-23, Sacramento Knights, G.M. Sean
George fired himself as manager and named Ruben Rivera the new player-
manager. When asked about the change, all he would say was this, "This is a
warning to the rest of the coaching staff, If the players don't perform,
I'll fire the coaches and replace them with players. I felt bad that I had
to do this but I had to let them know that I meant business. I feel that
Rivera will do a good job as manager even though he is only 22 years old and
he doesn't speak too much english."
When asked about his new job Rivera, through a translator, had this to
say, "This guy (Sean George) must be crazy. I don't know the first thing
about managing."
After hearing this statement, Sean George fined Rivera $50,000.
The teams veteran, Shawn Dunston 33, was reportidly upset that he
wasn't given the job. He was seen throwing darts at a picture of the G.M.
Kerry Wood was the "hitting" star of spring training as he hit .900
with 6 HR but on the mound he went 0-5 with a 7.92 ERA.
The $24 million dolar man (teenager), Gary Niles, was the only Knights
pitcher to impress as he notched half of Sacramento's wins going 4-0 with a
1.50era. Jorge Posada was a very bright spot as the catcher significantly
outplayed Javy Lopez and manager Rivera is good friends with Posada so there
might be a big controversy with the starting catcher position.
The city of Sacramento voted against a new 2 billion dolar stadium
causing sean george to threaten to leave but those threats backfired because
nobody really cared whether of not the team stayed and in a statement today,
city officials stated that, "It would be better for the city if they go
elsewhere, the Sacramento Knights are playing in a huge stadium and only
drawing 15,000 a night. We have lost money in each of the last two years and
it might be better for both parties if the Knights explore their options."
In an attempt to draw more fans the Knights will give 1 free beer to
every fan 21 or older and have made it Beanie Baby day for every day game
due to the huge attendance it brought last season. After those
announcements the knights sold a team record 19 season tickets. Ted Williams
stadium is going to be sold out for the first time in its history on opening
day although many people are speculating that the reason for this is because
of the fact that the tickets were $1 a piece and all fans in attendance will
recieve 10 free powerball tickets.
In trade news, the Knights are looking to trade Troy O'leary (51,94,44)
for a player that has 60+Ch and 70+speed and is 25 or younger.
