TOKYO (AP) - Things continue to change in St. Petersberg, as long time manager and team namesake Hanibal "Psycho" Lecter has been ousted as manager and reassigned within the organization.

The decision came only hours after the team's humiliating 7th straight defeat under the riegn of new owner Mike Wilson.

"I decided we need a change," Wilson said. "I mean don't get me wrong, Hanibal has run a tight ship. His calm cerebral approach has served him well over the years, but he may not be the best suited person for what the team is going through. We are keeping him around though, as a man of his talents is very valuable."

Hanibal, who upon hearing of his reassignment held a closed door meeting and meal with the team, has taken the change well, saying, "A life is but season, a season but a year, I move on now, moving, moving, into that next of life's seasons... I am going to enjoy having more time for my other varied pursuits, art, wine, women, travel and song. Baseball will always be with me."

When asked if his tough, intimidating, some say meniacal, perfectionist ways were the cause of is downfall, he replied, "Well, really that is a bad rap. They say around the league that I chew up players and spit them out, ask anyone I've managed, I assure you they will say I swallow."

New manager Masanori "Mashi" Murakami is eager to get started training and teaching what will surely be a young team the next few seasons. "I am very excited to be in the dugout again and I hope to bring even more discipline and honor to the team."

Although it still can not be confirmed, the hiring of a new Japanese manager has been taken by many St. Petersberg fans as a sign that the team will now definitely move following the season. When asked to comment on relocation, team owner Wilson simply replied, "No comment."