Knights Acquire Kent for 2B Insurance

(New York Daily Mirror - January 7, 2009)

NEW YORK - The Knights have acquired veteran second baseman Jeff Kent from the Miami Surf in exchange for the Knights' sixth round pick in the 2009 draft. The Knights also acquire the Surf's eighth round pick in the trade.

Kent, who will turn 41 in March, will primarily be used in a backup role to Ty Wigginton, who figures to be the team's starting second baseman in 2009. Wigginton had a good season in 2008, hitting 30 homers and knocking in 86 runs. However, the Knights, concerned about overusage issues, decided that Kent would fit the bill to fill in for Wigginton on occasion and to serve as a right-handed pinch hitter.

A few years ago, this would have been a major acquisition for the Knights. Kent has had a terrific NASBL career with four different organizations. His best year was 2003, when he smashed 45 homers, knocked in 152 runs and batted a combined .319 for the Cannons and Cannibals, earnig him the Less Filling MVP award. Overall, Kent has 1,480 career hits, including 244 homers, a .274 career average and 810 runs scored. His power numbers have fallen in recent years, as has his ability to be an everyday player.

Kent joins Craig Biggio, Mike Piazza and David Cone as fading stars who have donned the Knights uniform in the twilight of their careers.