JULY 30, 1928
KINGS WAVE WHITE FLAG - LOOK TO FUTURE
Not only did the Brooklyn Kings throw in the towel on the current season by dealing 2 veteran stars away, they dealt them to their arch rival New York Stars. After dropping three games over the weekend to fall 10 games off the pace being set by the Continental Association leading Stars, the Kings decided to make their second major trade in 2 weeks and rumours are they may not be done yet. With the trade deadline looming this evening the Kings are said to have ongoing discussions with a couple of teams about some more moves.
Today's deal saw Brooklyn send veteran starter Del Plummer (9-9, 4.34) and fan favourite Bud Rogers (.250,4,30) along with a minor league prospect to the New York Stars in exchange for the Stars first round pick in the next draft and AA third base prospect Tony King. This comes less than a month after the Kings dealt 35 year old pitcher Mose Smith (11-9, 4.70), SS Lloyd Carter and reliever Dick Dover to another CA rival in the Cleveland Foresters.
"It was clear we did not have what it takes to win a second straight pennant," explained 87 year old team owner Malcolm Presley. "This just isn't our year and while it pains me to see those guys go, especially Rogers and especially to the Stars, it is best for our franchise in the long run. We are now much younger and have added some assets that will help us in the big picture."
The Kings decided to promote the two young players acquired from Cleveland. Pitcher Mickey Beavers, a 23 year old righthander, made his FABL debut with a brief relief appearance last week and will replace Plummer in the starting rotation this week. Meanwhile, 23 year old outfielder Charlie Powell, who has hit 42 homers in 107 games at AA and AAA so far this season, was promoted today and is expected to make his FABL debut this week.
The Kings also got a 4th round pick in the Cleveland deal to go along with the extra first rounder they acquired today from the Stars. It is expected the Kings will be focused very heavily on pitching in the upcoming draft. While it is extremely unlikely they will get a shot at selecting college pitchers Tommy Wilox, who set an AIAA single season and career record for strikeouts at Liberty College this season, or Tom Barrell, who won an AIAA high 11 games this season at Georgia Baptist, Kings head scout Rube Carter feels this is a very deep draft for pitching talent and it is expected Brooklyn will use at least one of their 2 first round picks on a college arm.