AllKnighters acquire super prospects
July 24, 2001
(AP) Ann Arbor - The rumors that have been swirling out of Ann Arbor
appear to have come to fruition as today the AllKnighters traded RHP
Scott Sanders and fan favorite Quentin McCraken to the Medina Mustangs.
In return Ann Arbor received highly touted youngsters LF Angel Kaat and
3B Aramis Ramirez.
"Well, to be honest it's a move we didn't want to make. But with the
team rehauling it's talent pool for younger players and ticket sales
dropping, we had to start thinking about our commitment to our youth and
also to our financial situation, "said GM Michael Kennedy. "With the
arrival of a second metro area (Detroit Tigers) team to take away fans,
we felt we needed to cut some payroll. We feel we got excellent talent
in return, even it will not manifest itself in early sucess. This team
is committed to building a winner for the long term."
Field Manager Buddy Bell was also upset with the front office move.
"YES, I am pissed off. They have been peeling away great talent from
this team piece by piece. Now I have lost my leadoff hitter and my of
top starter with Pedro out. I have no clue who will take over our
leadoff duties or will take Scott's spot in the rotation." While visibly
upset Bell commented on his new players, "All in all though, this could
be a move that really helps this team in the future. Q and Scott were
star caliber players, but these guys look to be something special. They
should become cornerstones of our future. We have been looking for a
youing 3B for awhile, this Ramirez kid looks to fit the bill. His bat
should be great, and his defense is allready remarkable. Angel could be
even better. We are sure where these guys will end up this year in the
organization."
