DEADLINE DEALING!

As it so happened, quite a few pieces of e-mail were sent off over the weekend and I'm just now getting down to writing it out. Here's the major news:

SQUIRRELS, MOABS IN CHALLENGE TRADE

Brooklyn and Frostbite have reached an agreement to send IF Aki Iwamura to the Squirrels for 2B Jeff Kent and RP Pat Neshek. According to Moabs GM Eric Caskey, "Kent can fill in until he gets injured as help around the IF. As for Neshek, who is out for the season, he is likely to help in late inning situations next season setting up for Frankie Rodriguez." Iwamura, a utility infielder for the Moabs, will be missed, but Caskey was satisfied with his end of the deal. "Aki was a damn fine player who had an excellent season, but we like what we are getting in return. Neshek has been filthy against us and throws in the high 90s from a low angle. Still working on next season as these two players just help out," said Caskey.

So, Brooklyn was looking down the road. What were the Squirrels, tied at 77-50 for the league's best record with the Finches, looking for? Essentially, they wanted a little versatility and a healthy bat off the bench, with Kent ailing. You can read more about their thought process here.

WORCESTER AND CASSELTON INK DEAL FOR '09

The Eliminators, in their final move of the year, have acquired RHP Philip Hughes and a player to be named from the Horned Toads for LHP Adam Loewen and a player to be named. To put it bluntly, this appears to be a deal for next year that will not have any effect on this year's pennant race.

LUCHADORES CALL UP LIRIANO

Highly-touted southpaw Francisco Liriano, out much of the year battling control problems in the minors, has finally been recalled by the red-hot (winners of 11 straight) Las Vegas Luchadores, who plan on inserting the youthful lefty into their rotation. Insiders say the long-expected move could have a bigger impact in the playoffs than any of the September trades. "After all," said one scout, "A good left-hander is a real neutralizer for most offenses, and the other clubs haven't really seen Liriano. The advantage really goes to the pitcher in that case. This could really hurt a lineup like Darwin's, that has so many hitters who go colder against lefties."