A Knight No More…
Welcome to a new edition of Knight Fever. I have a fever, and the only cure is more Knights news! Okay, I know that was a bit cheesy. I won’t say that again — for awhile.
It’s been a busy offseason for some 2011 Charlotte Knights. I wanted to take a look back at some of the players that played at Knights Stadium last year, and update the fans on their whereabouts. I will continue to do this throughout the offseason, so stay tuned for more in the near future.
This edition will look at 2011 Knights that are no longer in the Sox organization.
Lastings Milledge — Milledge, a former first-round pick of the New York Mets (12th overall) in the 2003 draft, hit .295 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs in 123 games for the Knights last season. The Bradenton, FL native also led the Knights with 27 stolen bases and finished in a tie for third in the IL with Norfolk’s Matt Angle.
Milledge’s best offensive game as a Knight took place on July 1 against the Durham Bulls at Knights Stadium. The 26-year-old left fielder went 3–4 at the dish with two home runs, three RBIs, and two runs scored. He helped the Knights pound the Bulls 7–2 in the game.
The Florida native also enjoyed a hot-streak in 2011. From June 10 — June 26, Milledege hit safely in 16-straight games. During the course of that 16-game span, he hit an impressive .410 (25/61) with three home runs, 10 RBIs, 12 runs scored, and six stolen bases. He proved to be a solid contributor for the Knights.
This offseason, Milledge, who was a free agent, signed a contract to play in Japan with the Yakult Swallows. Milledge, who was once the youngest player in the National League (he was 21-years-old in 2006, while with Washington), will now take his talents overseas. He still has tons of potential and could put up some big numbers in Japan. I’ll keep you updated throughout the season.
Josh Kinney — Kinney appeared in 49 games for the Knights in 2011 and was effective. The 32-year-old right-hander posted a 6–3 mark, led the club in saves with 14, and recorded a 2.77 ERA.
He also went through some dominate stretches during the course of the season. From April 8 — May 1, Kinney did not allow a run in nine-straight appearances (11.2 IP). He posted his first win of the season on April 11 against Durham. In June, Kinney went 1–0 with seven saves and a 2.76 ERA over 13 games.
After posting a 1–0 mark with two saves and a 1.13 ERA in August, Kinney was promoted to the White Sox. He appeared in 13 games with the club and went 0–0 with a 6.62 ERA.
This offseason, the Coudersport, PA native, signed a deal with the Seattle Mariners.
Mark Teahen — Teahen, who was on the disabled list with a strained right oblique, appeared in eight games for the Knights in 2011. In the first game of his rehab, the California native went 2–4 with an RBI. In all, he went 6–31 at the plate (.191 batting average).
The 30-year-old infielder appeared in 78 Major League games last season. He split time in the Bigs with the White Sox and the Blue Jays, whom he was dealt to along with Edwin Jackson, in exchange for Jason Frasor and Zach Stewart on July 27.
He combined to hit .200 with four home runs and 14 RBIs for the Sox and Jays last season.
After being designated for assignment by the Jays earlier this month, Teahen was released by the club on Tuesday, January 17,
He is a career .264 hitter over 831 career Major League games, and has 67 home runs and 332 RBIs.
Okay, so there is your update for today. Stay tuned for more updates in the near future. Remember to follow the Knights on Twitter and don’t forget, Opening Day is Thursday, April 5 at Knights Stadium. #GoKnights!
