1/12/2008: Tempe, AZ – Knights GM Chris Van Hauter has stated that he wants to grant Jorge De Vargas, Alan Pitts and Whit Andrews request to be moved.  Van Hauter states he will part with the disgruntled pitchers for cash or possibly a prospect.

On a more positive note, the Knights are happy to announce that they are on the verge of hiring pitching coach Ismael Martínez, who has twenty years experience teaching pitching.  The Knights GM is planning to fill the rest of his vacancies in another month once the winter leagues are completed.

The Knights have offered a contract to Júlio Pagán to be their closer.  The Knights are optimistic that he will accept.  If he signs, the Knights pitching staff will be tremendously improved according to Van Hauter.

Follow-Up (1/16): The best laid plans… Ismael Martínez reportedly reneged on a deal with the Knights and instead took the position of Pitching Coach for Bergen (New Jersey’s AA affiliate).  Even worse, Júlio Pagán chose Canton over Tempe after the Longshoremen added a guaranteed 3^rd year to his $2,760,000 contract.  A rough few days in the desert, to be sure.