Arkansas Becomes Big Factor in Draft
Susqhehanna Awash with New Talent as Cempa Tries to Build Fan Base

Machine Gun Max: Keep those blockbusters coming!!! AR is rebuilding on the fly and Cempa is taking a run at the Big Bad Boys of Beverly. Can Dickinson respond in kind? We'll see.

(AP) TML Headquarters Albany, NY
The league was astounded this week as Willie Jelks bid farewell to four long-time members of the Travelers: Sean Casey, David Dellucci, JC Romero and Mark Scutaro. In return, the Travelers received most of the Surge's remaining draft picks as well as Lyle Overbay. Arkansas is now restocked on draft picks and then some. After losing their 5th through 7th picks through the waiver claim process, the Travellers had but 4 picks in the draft. Now, post-trade, Willie Jelks controls 2 1st round picks, a 2nd, 2 3rds and 2 4th round picks. This is not good for bargain hunters in the draft. The Travellers also quietly upgraded at 1st base, getting a younger more productive talent for the steady Sean Casey.

The lynchpin to the Surge end of the trade is clearly one David Dellucci shown at the left. Always a fave of the on-base set, Dellucci had a monster 29 home run season and will sit well in the middle of the Surge's line up. Sean Casey brings his usual good supply of singles and walks to the lineup. Marc Scutaro is a useful guy and will probably play all around the infield although he likely see a lot of action at third. JC Romero adds a situational lefty to the Surge's bullpen.
The trade leaves the Surge with a very good offense. The team is a bit top heavy in outfield now, but that might be used as trade bait to strengthen its relatively weak bullpen. For now the Surge clearly has his old rival Beverly in their sight.
For Arkansas, it has the picks to rebuild a franchise that was a juggernaut this year, but whose position players were beginning to age, This trade allows the Travellers to assemble some decent prospects around what remains a very formidable pitching staff. We haven't heard the last of Mr. Jelks.