Minor League Player Traded for 10 Maple Baseball Bats - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 05-23-2008, 10:33 PM

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McALLEN, Texas - 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 the Calgary Vipers traded for a bunch of bats. "I don't really care," he said Friday. "It'll make a better story if I make it to the big leagues."

For now, Odom is headed to the Laredo Broncos of the United League. They got him Tuesday from Calgary 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 US$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 Vipers team signed Odom about a month ago, but couldn't get the 26-year-old righty into Canada. It seems Odom had a "minor" but unspecified criminal record that wasn't revealed to immigration officials before they scanned his passport, Vipers president Peter Young said.

Odom said the charge stemmed from a fight he was in at age 17. Although he thought it had been expunged from his record, it popped up during immigration.

Odom spent hundreds of dollars driving to the Canadian border and staying at a Montana hotel while the matter was sorted out. He then drove to Laredo after the trade.

Originally from Atlanta, Odom was drafted late by the San Francisco Giants in 2003. He pitched 38 games, all in class-A, from 2004-06, and was released by the organization this spring.

Laredo intends to activate Odom on Monday and have him make his first start Wednesday.

Odom said he was supposed to be traded for Laredo's best hitter. But when that player balked at moving to Calgary, the bats entered the deal.

Laredo offered cash for Odom, but Young said that was "an insult."

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, Young said.

catlover79 · 05-24-2008, 12:01 AM

I think we should try that here in Cleveland. Maybe that would get the Indians' offense going!!!

BarneyFife · 05-24-2008, 12:56 AM

Now thats funny.

TJL · 05-24-2008, 05:07 AM

Currently, I am unemployed, with very little $$$ to my name.

This story makes me feel better about my situation.

Seriously, I am more valuable than a bunch of bats!

I think.

theshark8777 · 05-24-2008, 08:55 PM

Hahaha I was just reading this.

05-23-2008, 10:33 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,571	Minor League Player Traded for 10 Maple Baseball Bats Link McALLEN, Texas - 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 the Calgary Vipers traded for a bunch of bats. "I don't really care," he said Friday. "It'll make a better story if I make it to the big leagues." For now, Odom is headed to the Laredo Broncos of the United League. They got him Tuesday from Calgary 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 US$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 Vipers team signed Odom about a month ago, but couldn't get the 26-year-old righty into Canada. It seems Odom had a "minor" but unspecified criminal record that wasn't revealed to immigration officials before they scanned his passport, Vipers president Peter Young said. Odom said the charge stemmed from a fight he was in at age 17. Although he thought it had been expunged from his record, it popped up during immigration. Odom spent hundreds of dollars driving to the Canadian border and staying at a Montana hotel while the matter was sorted out. He then drove to Laredo after the trade. Originally from Atlanta, Odom was drafted late by the San Francisco Giants in 2003. He pitched 38 games, all in class-A, from 2004-06, and was released by the organization this spring. Laredo intends to activate Odom on Monday and have him make his first start Wednesday. Odom said he was supposed to be traded for Laredo's best hitter. But when that player balked at moving to Calgary, the bats entered the deal. Laredo offered cash for Odom, but Young said that was "an insult." 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, Young said.
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05-24-2008, 12:01 AM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,396	I think we should try that here in Cleveland. Maybe that would get the Indians' offense going!!!
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05-24-2008, 12:56 AM	#3
BarneyFife Retired Forum Fanatic Join Date: Mar 02, 2008 Posts: 8,460	Now thats funny.
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05-24-2008, 05:07 AM	#4
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,588	Currently, I am unemployed, with very little $$$ to my name. This story makes me feel better about my situation. Seriously, I am more valuable than a bunch of bats! I think.
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05-24-2008, 08:55 PM	#5
theshark8777 Hats for Bats Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 23, 2001 Location: northeast Ohio. Posts: 5,315	Hahaha I was just reading this.
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