[mikev]

Grove traded to Vancouver

In an announcement just released, a trade between New Orleans and the Vancouver Mounties has been finalized. The deal sends longtime Crawdad Robert "Righty" Grove to Vancouver in exhange for first base prospect Joey Pampin as well as a first and second round pick in the upcoming First Year Player's Draft.
Grove, who has been with New Orleans his entire career, seemed to be resigned to being dealt.

"I loved my time in New Orleans, the clubhouse atmosphere,being back in Louisiana, the laid-back-ness. I have nothing but good memories," Groves said. "Now, I have the chance to pitch in the playoffs again and possibly win the whole shebang one more time with the Mounties. Obviously, the run support there is awesome. I'm excited to go to a new city."

"I didn't really think of (being traded) when I signed that last extension, but I knew they'd move some starting pitchers on the 25-man roster," Groves said. "I understand the baseball side, and when Mikey(Voelker, general manager) dealt Mike D. and got (righty starter George) Fagg, I could tell what he was trying to do.

"I know they wanted a few more good prospects, and that helps New Orleans because Pampin is going to be a good player. I knew even if I stayed here until the rebuild is done, II still might not have a chance to go to the playoffs again. I appreciate Mikey giving me a call and moving me to a place where I can get a shot at another LMS Trophy."

"Kirk did a great job for us and showed as much guts on the mound as anyone we've had," said GM Mike Voelker, adding Groves' absence will open a bullpen job for AABA recruit Oscar Santoyo. "With Santoyo, we've got a reliever with good stuff who adds depth to the talented group of kids we've got coming up over the next few seasons."
Rumors have swirled about the Crawdads other ace Shawn Boskie being dealt away, possibly as soon as the beginning of Spring Training.