Rumor Mill - April 2nd

Pawtucket Polythene
29 year old CF Sal Walker has seen Pawtucket hand out big contracts left and right during his 9 years in the organization. However, at the end of his current deal that bought out his first year of free agency, he is wondering where his extension is. He has publicly said his heart is in Pawtucket, but would like to know his destiny soon. If a deal on an extension isn't reached by the time the trade deadline hits, Walker may be on the move. An average hitter with above average fielding abilities, Walker has never seen the disabled list and has over 500 at-bats in each of the last 6 seasons. There is no confirmation to the rumor that Pawtucket is trimming payroll in order to meet the demands of the soon to be free agent Christopher Ramirez.

Cleveland Steamers
After signing a one year deal in Cleveland, 2B Jackson Crosby has watched his production slip. News out of Cleveland is that he has been a terrible clubhouse leader, often refusing the show to mandatory meetings and practices. With Gill Funaki producing in Double-A, it is unknown if Cleveland will push him to the ML level early and not attempt another year with Crosby.

Kansas City Shuffle
The youth movement is on! Mainstays Dennys Shin (Jacksonville), Nicholas Bryant (Jacksonville), Paul Cooper (Fresno) and Chad Jones (Fresno) are out. The list prospects the got in return in long and distinguished. Included is potential staff ace Posiedon Crawford, All Star SS Anthony Wolf and a young, fast CF named Banana White. While Kansas City may struggle to make the playoffs as a Wild Card this season, the future is still bright for this Sharkey's World Powerhouse.

Charlotte Knights
Ramiro Gabriel is showing the front office why the two-time All Star plans to leave for free agency. The combination of speed, on-base abilities and smooth play in the field make him one of the best options in next year's market. He is on pace for his first 20/20 season since Season 5.

Off-Season Closer Situation
Pawtucket Setup Man Brad O'Toole has shown his displeasure with his current role in the organization. With encumbent Frank Harris signed long term, O'Toole has told the front office he wants to pursue a closing role in the off-season.

Also a free agent at year's end, New Orleans Closer Martin Baek is having another solid year. With mid-season acquisition Torey Sanford excelling in his set-up role and signed through next year, it is uncertain whether New Orleans will retain Baek's services.

Colorado's Willie Mondesi has proven himself at the Major League level. A career 3.67 ERA out of the pen, he is upset at the front office brass for not rewarding him with a long-term deal this past off-season. With John Kondou successfully holding down the closer's role, Mondesi could possibly be a trade piece at the deadline.

Ricardo Gongora of Kansas City may be on the move. A long-time member of the Shuffle, Gongora has often been labeled with being the primary reason for his team's success. The multi-functional Gongora is a free agent at the end of the year and probably does not fit into the long term plans in Kansas City.