Goings as of late

Yes, it's true that Andy Pappas recently left the Defenders. Andy was well-liked by all. And even if Andy made someone upset, they couldn't stay upset with him more than a second. He is truly one of the nicest, most genuine people you could find.

The story I was told was Andy decided to move on, that minor league baseball wasn't for him. I am sure there is more to it than that, and when I find out more, I'll let you know. I also know that there was a recent event at a game that may have soured Andy on working for the Defenders.

Whether or not the team is now looking for another box office manager to replace Justine, who replaced Tony, I cannot confirm. Again, I'll let you know what I find.

Let's also keep this in proper context. Two resignations, firings, defections or whatever the situations may, within roughly a week doesn't mean the sky is falling. The Defenders were here before Justine and Andy and they will be for the near future. There could have been policy changes, career opportunities, family obligations or simple burn out (life in minor league baseball has never been glamorous).

I also want to address something that was being spread on another blog. That is the Defenders are assured or nearly assured of remaining a Giants affiliate beyond this season.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, two Eastern League teams have had their PDC's extended, but there are several teams that have not: Milwaukee, Florida, Minnesota, N.Y. Yankees, Cincinnati, L.A. Dodgers, Arizona, Seattle, L.A. Angels, San Diego and Kansas City.

Unless relationships fall apart between now and October, the Yankees and Twins will extend with Trenton and New Britain, respectively. The Yankees historically do not like to handle PDCs in-season. Based on the proximity of affiliates and location of the major league team, don't expect The Dodgers, Angels, Diamondbacks, Mariners, angels or Padres to come into Dodd Stadium next season. That leaves The Reds (highly unlikely), Kansas City (also highly unlikely), Milwaukee, Florida or the return of the Giants.

The situation is more complicated if the Atlanta Braves' new Triple-A stadium is ready for next season. The move opens up the Richmond, Va., market, which both the Eastern and Southern Leagues want. Detroit would love to move its Erie team to Richmond. If that happens, could the Defenders move to Erie? Possibly, but I doubt it. But what if the Giants moved their affiliate to Richmond, which draws it significantly closer to Single-A Augusta? Maybe Detroit pops down into Norwich. This whole situation is speculative at best.

My point, which I began getting away from, is that the Giants are not guaranteed to return here. I have heard the Giants want out and that they also admitted internally the poor shape of their farm system makes them an unattractive option for other markets. That said, they may re-sign with Norwich out of need for a Double-A home. I have also heard that both Milwaukee and Florida have interest in coming here.

Keep this in mind: Exclude teams who don't negotiate in-season, and the teams that have yet to extended PDCs are the teams that aren't completely sold on where they are. Part of this is negotiating -- teams use one city against the other as leverage. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.