A PLAN FOR IGAWA

Maybe Kei has some value after all. This is an idea that the Yankees should explore.


By CHRISTOPHER SHERMAN, Associated Press Writer May 23, 7:51 pm EDT

McALLEN, Texas (AP)—During three years in the low minors, John Odom never really made a name for himself. That sure changed this week—he’s the guy who was traded for a bunch of bats.

For now, Odom is headed to the Laredo Broncos of the United League. They got him Tuesday from the Calgary Vipers of the Golden Baseball League for a most unlikely price: 10 Prairie Sticks Maple Bats, double-dipped black, 34-inch, C243 style. “They just wanted some bats, good bats—maple bats,” Broncos general manager Jose Melendez said.

According to the Prairie Sticks Web site, their maple bats retail for $69 each, discounted to $65.50 for purchases of six to 11 bats. “It will be interesting to see what 10 bats gets us,” Melendez said. The bat trade wasn’t the first time Calgary came up with some creative dealmaking.

The Vipers once tried to acquire a pitcher for 1,500 blue seats when they were renovating their stadium.