CASSELTON, FROSTBITE SWAP

In a deal that was temporarily held up by the league offices due to salary cap concerns, the Casselton Horned Toads have added anoter veteran to play shortstop, presumably as a backup for Rafael Furcal.

Casselton acquires SS J.J. Hardy from the Frostbite Falls Flying Squirrels, who in turn receive a pair of prospects: LHP Gio Gonzalez and OF Andrew Lambo.

Why Hardy? As Casselton GM Landon Bolt put it, the acquisition was "an attempt to strengthen the weakest part of our lineup, the Horned Toads have traded two young prospects for a former all-star hoping he can return to glory. We are hoping the change of scenery for J.J. will help his recovery."

To facilitate the move, the Horned Toads cut IF Mike Aviles and RHP Faustino Delossantos. Aviles, who hit over .300 two years in MLB and was a high draft pick, was injured early in 2009 and has never lived up to the Horned Toads' expectations. The acquisition of Hardy, a more established player, made Aviles expendable.