DEADLINE DEAL SENDS GRIFFEY PACKING

Russellville, AR (AP)--In a surprising move made right before the trading deadline, Slug Sauce and Padawan Learners made a blockbuster deal, swapping Ken Griffey Jr. and a sixth-round pick in the 2002 draft for Jason Giambi, Adam Dunn and a ninth-round pick.

"It never was my intention to trade Griffey," owner Daniel Shoptaw stated.  "But when I could get a possible two keepers for the price of one, I had to go for it."

"I like Griffey a lot," commented owner Andy Stroud.  "Dunn could have posed some keeper problems if he'd had a good September, so I don't have to worry about that."

The deal started out as Rich Aurilia for Dunn, but escalated as the two owners discussed it over Playstation football.

"It's a good deal for both of us, I think," said Shoptaw.  "We'll just have to wait and see."