TEXAS TRADES AGAIN, ST. FRANCIS GRABS FLYCHASERS

TEXAS MAKES SIXTH TRADE OF SUMMER

Continuing his pattern of being willing and ready to talk trade with anyone, Texas Tornadoes GM Ronald Melkonian triggered his sixth trade since June 1st, albeit with a deal that he described as minor: the Tornadoes have acquired LHP Mike Gonzalez from the deep Fresno bullpen, for RHP Hideki Kuroda, the odd man out in Fresno's rotation since being activated.

"Since the Regulators have lost SP Brandon Webb for the season, this trade makes sense," said Fresno GM Anthony Guerra. "Kuroda is starting to show why is worth having in your rotation."

Texas, for its part, wished Kuroda well but was happy to get Gonzalez, whom they described as a 'rare lefty' due to his strikeout potential. Kuroda's looming 2010 salary was very much a factor in this deal. For more of Texas's inimitable spin, you can read their press release here.

FRIARS SIGN RELEASED OUTFIELDERS

The St. Francis Friars have signed OF Scott Hairston and Ryan Church to minor-league split contracts at the league minimum after the pair were among the bevy of players released by the Black Mesa Anomalies earlier this week. Hairston and Church are likely candidates for St. Francis's bench, or possibly could platoon in CF with veteran Johnny Damon in LF and exciting Shin-Sin Choo in RF.