Carver Harris writing for the Tempe Frontiersman
Saturday, Nov. 16^th, 2013

The Planetary Extreme Baseball Alliance is still reeling from the surprise of the Tempe Knights hiring German no-namer Sascha Tesch as their GM, but already more news is coming from the clubhouse.  Tesch had already hinted that his focus would be consolidating the club’s finances and rebuilding the team.  In a statement released to press and fans via newsletter yesterday, Tesch detailed the front office’s immediate steps and cautioned Tempe followers that harsh times lie ahead.

“It’s never a pleasure,” explains Tesch in the thousand-word document, “to have to cut the budget.  It’s never a pleasure to have to let players go that have defined the franchise in past years.  And it’s certainly never a pleasure to tell loyal fans that, in the next few years, the product they’ve come to enjoy and love may take a turn for the worse.”

Some fans won’t be happy to hear such words.  This past season, Tempe reached the Planetary Extreme Championship again after winning it all in 2012.  However, Tempe’s previous general manager-turned-owner, Chris Van Hauter, left Tesch with depleted cash reserves.  At the end of this season, the club’s finances were almost $12 million in the red.  Of the past five seasons, only one showed a cash surplus.

Said one fan, “It was nice while it lasted, but I guess you can only live above your means for so long.”  Another added, referring to the Arizona town’s market potential, “Let’s face it – Tempe is not exactly a baseball capital.  I hope the new manager knows what he’s doing and rebuilds the team properly.”

Not all supporters were sympathetic.  “The club owes so much to this city and its fans,” said an angry season ticket holder.  “I can’t believe they’re turning their backs on us like this!”

Tesch’s letter went on to say that due to budget constraints, they would have to look hard at which players would be offered arbitration.  While not naming any players specifically, it seems likely that Jason Kirkland will not receive an offer.  The star right fielder, drafted by Connecticut in 2007 and claimed off waivers by Tempe in 2009, is expected to be awarded upwards of $7 million, a significant raise from his current minimum salary of $414,000.  Kirkland hit 30 homeruns last season and batted in 118 runs.  Another candidate might be 27-year-old starter Barney Sharp, who is currently paid $5.1 million for a career ERA of 3.57.  Furthermore, a number of players will likely find themselves on the trading block very soon.  An anonymous clubhouse source described the atmosphere among players as “apprehensive” and “disappointed”.

On top of all these rumors,  star pitchers Conan McCullough and Luis Peña and SS Miguel Soto, all paid in excess of $10 million, will become eligible for free agency this off-season.  It’s likely that Tempe will offer them arbitration to reap draft pick compensation.

What seems to some as an impending gutting of the team could, however, turn out to be a blessing in disguise.  With a number of big earners leaving the club, budget room becomes available for young prospects.  And they’re sorely needed.  LF Matt Carter, currently at Single-A Calexico, is the team’s brightest prospect according to the Baseball America, ranking at a meager #59 overall.

As Tesch said in his statement, “We don’t say it will be easy.  We must identify young talent, nourish it and allow it to grow.  But we all believe that in only a few years’ time, Tempe will have an attractive and economically viable baseball product that the community can be proud of.  Names you don’t know today will be familiar and beloved tomorrow.  We expect a lot from you, and you can expect a lot from us.  Together, we will succeed!”

All in all, the newsletter caused more confusion and speculation than it clarified facts.  We already knew that the Knights need to get their finances in order and that they’ll rebuild.  Only now, we were told it in more words and with an appeal to be sympathetic to the cause.  I’m sure many in Tempe would be if it meant that there will be good baseball in this town for years to come.  But Tesch should stop with the platitudes and show by action whether he’s capable of what he claims to be, or if he’s only a windbag who can write pretty letters.