JOHANNESBURG (AP) - It didn't take too long for new owner Rick Gregg to make his first deal with the newly-named Johannesburg Steelmen. The Steelmen sent pitcher Frank Castillo, second baseman Chuck Knoblauch, and their second round pick in 2009 to Hong Kong for catcher Ed Dunkle, left fielder Jim Ballard, pitcher Carl Pavano, and the 38th, 44th, 56th, and 65th picks in this year's amateur draft.

"We needed to make a trade," said Gregg. "George (Manager Brett) and I agreed that we weren't going anywhere far this season, and that we're growing real old, real fast. Both Knoblauch and Castillo are 36 and not getting much younger, while this trade gives us a 22 year old catcher with potential, a 29 year old pitcher who can play right now, and a 25 year old left fielder who's just a year away."

Gregg added his favorite part of the deal is the unknown.

"Those 4 picks give us ten in the next amateur draft. Ten of the top 65. Think about that."

Hong Kong owner Vince Stone has publicly expressed his desire to win a pennant this year, and Knoblauch and Castillo will make a good addition to his staff.

Knoblauch has a career .274 average, with an OPS of .736. He's made 55 errors in his career. Castillo, meanwhile, has a 3.45 lifetime ERA with 1668 strikeouts.

"It's tough -- I like both Chuck and Frank personally, and I know they were fan favorites," said Gregg. "But you can't improve if you stand still, and this is what we needed to do."

Pavano, who was hit hard in his first start this season, is 31-55 for his career with a 4.42 ERA. Ballard has seen limited playing time, and Dunkel has yet to reach the majors. Gregg sent a strong message to the Johannesburg fans. "The time is right."