THE USUAL SUSPECTS AT IT AGAIN

When you hear the word “trade”, what is the second thing that comes to your mind (after the name Melkonian, of course)? How about Sin City, New England and Casselton.

That’s right, the three teams that have made the most trades this season (yes, more than Ronald Melkonian’s Philadelphia) had another round.

Landon Bolt, who has seen his defending Central Division champion Casselton squad struggle in the young season, struck the first blow with his third and final trade of the month. Bolt orchestrated one of the biggest deals in BARB history with Anthony Guerra of Sin City. In all, 13 players switched sides. The swap also served to increase Bolt’s team salary nearer the cap than any other team: $119.98 million.

One of the biggest names in the trade was Brandon Phillips. The second baseman, hitting .279 and playing his usual spectacular defense for the Cowboys, marked an immediate upgrade from Casselton’s original combo of Reid Brignac and Gordon Beckham. In addition, righties Josh Beckett and Francisco Rodriguez, left-hander Phil Coke and young fly chaser Aaron Hicks were sent to the Horned Toads.

In return, Beckham, fellow middle infielder Dee Gordon, outfielders Carlos Beltran and Brennan Boesch and pitchers Taylor Jungmann, Ramon Ramirez and J.A. Happ were sent to the Cowboys. A player to be named was also included.

“With Joe Nathan struggling, it was important for us to shore up the back end of our bullpen,” Bolt said. “And by obtaining Beckett, we hope to bolster our rotation depth. I believe that once we are completely healthy, our 25-man roster is as good as any.

Following that deal, Anthony Guerra turned around and dealt Beltran and Ramirez, as well as reliever Joey Devine, to the New England Yankee Stompers for injured right-handed pitcher Adam Wainwright.

“Adam Wainwright never threw a pitch for New England, but we wish him well in his rehab and continuation of his career,” GM James Herndon said. “Our bullpen has taken many hits, but Joey Devine will be more than just a replacement. “

***BREAKING NEWS***

Apparently not wanting to miss the party, Ronald Melkonian agreed to a trade just before this went to press. The deal was with Guerra, and they had to wait a few days for the new weeks because Guerra had completed two trades in the previous week.

Melkonian, within striking distance of first place in the Central, made a curious deal. He acquired some young depth, but traded away were stalwarts in three different spots. Sent to the Rebels were five unestablished players: 1B Justin Smoak, 2B Dustin Ackley, OF Austin Jackson, RHP Wade Davis and LHP Mike Minor. In return, Sin City picked up 2B Ian Kinsler, OF Jason Bay, RHP John Axford and two PTBNs.

It will remain to be seen how this affects the Rebels’ chances of competing. And with their previous two deals, Sin City appeared to be giving up on 2011 and preparing for 2012. But dealing all of the young talent for some high-salaried established players appears to signify Guerra wants to compete this year.