Rumor Mill #1: Players Already on the Block

By KYLE KEOUGH
DOUBLE DAY DAILY

Not even a day into season four, and a slew of names have already been added to the trading block. The early theme of season four: postseason-level teams of the past two seasons are looking to cut salary and get younger in the process.

Playoff Teams Put Big Names on the Block

- Despite a superior season as the Dukes' center fielder, it appears that Albuquerque is mulling over cutting ties with Pedro Galvez for the right price. What the Dukes are asking for in return is not known, but it appears that Galvez' expiring contract (9.75 million) might be playing a role in this decision.

- The Wichita White Stocking put two of their more integral pieces on the market yesterday, with Vic Silva and Woody Smith both up for grabs for a defensive catcher and potentially other prospects as well. Both Smith and Silva are up for arbitration and will command pay raises if the White Stockings opt to keep them.

- The Omaha Spikes are dangling both SS Buddy Walker and SP Benny Truman--who both are coming off of great seasons but are highly paid--for youngesters, preferably of the pitching variety.

- The big name being offered out of Ottawa Great Lake St. is Johnny Cambridge, who has underperformed for Ottawa and might be given his walking papers. Cambridge is still talented, however, and there are plenty of teams on the market for a shortstop.

Addressing Starting Pitching

- One of the big early themes is starting pitching: the Huntington Heroes, for instance, have started their search for a quality starter. Supposedly, they'll be looking to deal through their minor leagues in order to acquire one, so some young talent might be available. Likewise, grab46 and the San Diego Electrics are also looking for top starter(s): grab even said that his "entire minor leagues [are] available." And yes, there is yet another team on the market for starting pitching: the Tampa Bay Seminoles continue their long search for a good young starter.

El Paso Looks to Retool

- The Sun Kings might be parting with franchise staples Teddy Collier and Timothy Simpson. That means that season three's AL Fireman of the Year (Collier) could find a new home for the fourth season of Double Day.

Done Deal?

- This reporter, who is in-the-know on these things, has become aware that an oral agreement has been reached regarding Lawrence Neal of the Boston Beaneaters. It is said that the Beaneaters will be dealing catcher Neal for a starting pitcher.