THREE-WAY DEAL SHAKES UP FLB

 

Russellville, AR (AP)--In a week where Major League Baseball will have its most trading activity, Friends League Baseball has already gotten a leg up.

 

                Right before the Saturday midnight deadline, a three-way deal was culminated between the Padawan Learners, owned by Daniel Shoptaw, the Smokies, with owner Chad Skelton, and Robert Arnwine's Texas Stampede.  Anchoring the deal were two outfielders, Andruw Jones and Ken Griffey Jr., both of whom finished the evening on the roster of the Learners.

 

                To acquire the rights to these players, along with the Smokies' last two picks in next year's draft, Shoptaw agreed to send outfielder Luis Gonzalez, second baseman Roberto Alomar, and pitcher Chan Ho Park to the Stampede and third baseman Troy Glaus and the Learners' third and fifth round picks in the 2002 draft to the Smokies.  The Smokies also received second baseman Jeff Kent from the Stampede.

 

                The negotiations for this deal were intense, dragging out for more than a month.  Even as late as Friday, no movement appeared on the horizon before suddenly rushing to a conclusion.

 

                Shoptaw, who initiated the talks, stated, "I wanted to get a couple of big bats for the stretch run, but mainly, for next year.  I know I gave up some pop, but I think we can make it up.  Park may be a big loss for us, but we've brought up Bud Smith to fill his role and hopefully fill it well.  Mark McLemore will take over for Alomar at second."

 

                For his part, Skelton also seemed pleased.  "I've wanted Glaus for a long time and am very glad to get him over here.  He will anchor our offense for years to come.  Those draft picks are going to look very nice next year, as well."

 

                Arnwine was a bit hesitant to do the deal, but finally he had to bite on it.  "Alomar was key.  Without him, none of this would have gone down.  Getting Park just in time to put Chuck Smith on the DL was helpful, as well."

 

                To make room for the new acquisitions, Skelton cut second baseman Frank Menichino and third baseman Eric Chavez, and Arnwine placed pitcher Smith on the DL.

 

                Along with Shoptaw's activation of J.D. Drew, half of his outfield changed in a matter of a day.  "It should be a fun ride the rest of the way," he said.