Rumor Mill - April 11

Texas Tittyballs
Needing a spark in their starting rotation, Texas is dangling 22 year old catching prospect Tom O'Neill. O'Neill, currently playing at AAA, has a strong bat, posting a .373 avg with 27 hr and 98 rbi this season. However, questions have risen about his ability to handle a pitching staff for 162 games. Clinton Rollins, the current ML starter, is only 25 years old and already has 3 All-Star appearances. Speedy center fielder Arthur Lidge is also available.

Pawtucket Polythene
Coming off his no-hitter against Norfolk, starting pitcher Christopher Ramirez discussed rumors about competing on Dancing with the Stars. Earlier this week, Pawtucket officials stated their displeasure with the possibility of the franchise player participating in non-team physical activities. Ramirez responded that "if Pawtucket wouldn't let him, he might have to play for a team that will." He is set to hit free agency after next season. At age 29, the pitcher is making a bid for his 7th Cy Young Award and boasts a 173-61 career record.

Fresno Fire Dragons
21 year old starting pitcher Davey Costilla has struggled with the transition to the ML level. Hoping to provide a spark, Costilla started the season in AAA. The former International Free Agent is 3-2, with a 6.38 ERA in 7 starts. Without Costilla producing, Fresno may be playing simply for a Wild Card berth.

Trenton Terror
With 41 wins, the Terror have already proven to be a tougher match than last year. Coming off a dissapointing 37 win season, Trenton really had nothing to lose. Long time outfielder Happy Adkins is thrilled with the teams progress. "A solid farm system and young ML caliber players currently producing, we have a lot to look forward to" stated Adkins. These days, the only thing wrong in Trenton is the location.

Houston Aggies
Unhappy with the lack of playing time, utility man Wade Gross is seeking a trade. He has appeared in 40 games with only 19 plate appearances, coming in mostly as a defensive replacement at second base. In his last 4 seasons in AAA, Gross has averaged 28 hr and 118 rbi to go along with a .329 avg. Still at the league minimum, Houston hopes to find someone to eat some ML innings.