TOP ROY CANDIDATES SWAPPED

     Russellville, AR (AP)--At least one team isn't laughing now.

     Barney's Bad Boys and Padawan Learners completed a trade this weekend involving the top candidates for Rookie of the Year.  The Boys sent 3B Eric Hinske to the Learners in exchange for SP and Japanese sensation Kazahisa Ishii.

     The Learners were derided throughout the league for making Ishii their top selection, but he started off 10-1 and helped strengthen the Learners' staff.

     "We liked Ishii a lot, but between his K ratio and his involvement with the Dark Side scandal, he just had to go," Learners owner Daniel Shoptaw said.  "Fortunately, we were able to get quality in return for him."

     Matt Scott, owner of the Boys, was thrilled.  "I had a glut at the corners and needed another strong starting pitcher to go along with Schilling.  Since Mark didn't want to do that ARod-Unit swap again, I went with Ishii."

     To make room for the new third baseman, the Learners released Adrian Beltre and signed Pedro Astascio to fill Ishii's slot.

     "Beltre never really panned out for us," stated Shoptaw.  "He has the talent, but just couldn't get it going for us."

     Scott placed relief pitcher Mariano Rivera on the DL and activated 3B Corey Koskie.