10/7/2008: Tempe, AZ – With the season behind them, Tempe now looks to the off-season with a certain degree of optimism following a 65-97 regular season record.  Knights GM Chris Van Hauter stated, "We might not have won 81 games but we improved by 18 wins from last year and the fans are really excited about the 2009 season.”  Season ticket sales have already jumped 15% from last year and Van Hauter attributes that to the news that Hancock and Hunter are up to stay.  He concluded that in 2009 Tempe would have to avoid any setbacks because, "We will not be sneaking up on anybody anymore."

Van Hauter believes that Tempe can match up with anyone and that the Knights will be in the hunt for a wild card spot.  The front office feels that the team is a couple of players away from being a legitimate contender and they are going to try to acquire those missing pieces in the off-season.  The Knights GM stated, "We are looking for a left-handed power hitting first basemen who is good with the glove.  Also a quality left handed starter.”  If the Knights can get their hands on those players then Van Hauter feels that the lineup, rotation, and bullpen will be set.

In other news, the Knights are very happy with their acquisitions of Mora and Grymes and plan on offering Mora an extension once the Planetary Extreme Championship is over.  Although Mora struggled at the plate, the organization feels that he is their centerfielder of the future and will try to lock him up.  Tempe was also thrilled to see Grymes display a lot of power in his short time with the club.  Van Hauter feels that Grymes’ swing is perfect for Tempe’s ballpark and predicts he will hit 35 homeruns next year.  The GM feels that he addressed Tempe’s lack of power by getting Grymes and Martínez and feels that they should combine to hit around 70 homeruns and drive in around 190 runs.

The Knights also announced that Edward Allen has gotten a new strength and conditioning coach and is trying to add 15 pounds of muscle in the off-season.  Allen hopes that some of his doubles (over 40 again) will translate into 15 or 16 homeruns with a little extra muscle.  However, GM Van Hauter advised Allen not to bulk up to much as he is worried that his range may be affected by added muscle.  Stay tuned to see what becomes of this through the winter.