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With the Florida Hurricanes struggling to start the season (27-35), there's reason to believe the entire team is up for grabs. Three time MVP Nick Black has gotten off to a rocky start, batting only .254 with 13 home runs, and ace Winston Taft hasn't progressed as well as some in the organization had hoped (1-5 record thus far).
For about one week now, rumors have been swirling about Corey Purcell heading to Cincinatti or Taft being shipped off to Atlanta or Tacoma for some prospects.
"I'm not so sure they're going to make a move actually," ESPN correspondent Peter Gammons says, "they have a history of not pulling the trigger on these big deals."
More likely to be moved is Right Fielder/First Baseman Al Leyritz. Leytritz's contract could be appealing for a squad looking to add power cheaply.
I Get No Respect
Where's the love for the St. Louis Archies? Baseball pundits are lining up to praise Scranton, San Francisco, Vancouver, and Kansas City, but St. Louis continues to fly under the radar despite a 40-22 start.
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"I think we kind of are the Rodney Dangerfield of the League," says Archie Third Baseman Jesus Polanco, "I mean all I hear is Scranton this and Scranton that. We get no respect."
With a team batting average of .285, and a solid pitching staff people had better start taking St. Louis seriously, as they just recently ripped off a 13 game winning streak before losing to Salt Lake City on 12/27/08. Many forget that this is a team that has improved its win total every season--and it stands to do so again in Season 4.
Sparks Flies
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Durham Bulls Center Fielder Grant Sparks was pulled over doing 80 MPH in a 45 MPH zone on 12/27/08. Police footage shows Sparks getting confrontational with the Durham City officer making the stop. Back-up ended up getting called to the scene.
When the police searched the car they also found a loaded Kimber .45 ACP pistol underneath the passenger side seat. County records show that Sparks hasn't registered the gun, nor does he have a concealed weapons permit. Charges are expected to be filed within the week.
Sparks has 18 home runs and 15 stolen bases on the year.
Fargo All Star Shortstop On DL
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Fargo Shortstop Fernando Trajano was put on the 15 Day DL after straining a quadricep. This was actually good news for Fargo, as inital reports indicated it could be much more serious (torn groin muscle).
"I think I should be back within the month," Trajano was quoted by the Fargo Times, "No reason to worry."
Trajano was an All Star last year and a member of the 30/30 club (34 home runs and 35 stolen bases). He also batted .285.
Down On The Farm
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The Cheyenne Outlaws' AAA outfit has been impressive thus far in the AL West logging a 37-25 record. Young guys like Darryl Everett and Rigo Santiago have been instrumental in Cheyenne's succcess thus far. Everyone is also raving about the poise shown by Closer, and last year's second round draft pick, Keith Kennedy (12 saves in 12 opportunities and an ERA of 1.00).
"He's been phenominal for us," Outlaw General Manager amerith says, "he's mature beyond his age."
The future appears to be taking a turn for the better for a Cheyenne organization which has seen its win total drop at the ML level every year since the Dream League's inception.
Hoover Wants Out
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According to the Arlington Post, two time Gold Glove Shortstop James "Hoover" Steele was in Oiler Management's office yesterday angrily demanding a trade.
Steele won two Gold Gloves with the New York Gridlock before being asked to slide over to Second Base in Season 3. Angry with this development he bolted for his home state of Texas in free agency. Instead of playing Shortstop, which was the original plan, he's spent most of his time in Center Field for the Oilers.
Steele also expressed outrage at Texas' decision to waive Second Baseman Rod Little who was picked up by Tacoma last week. Little is a close personal friend of Steele, and recruited him to Texas with the hope they could form a dynamic double play combination.
Steele has struggled at the plate this year (.192 average 13 RBI) but has been his usual stellar stuff when he has appeared at Shortstop (7.26 range factor with no errors).
