RIO DE JANERIO (AP) - Perennial contendors, Rio de Janerio have undergone some major changes this season. Following the disapointing loss to Amity in last year's Weaver Series, management has torn down the foundation that has made this team competitive from day one. The biggest change, has to be in the starting rotation. Chad Ogea is the only starter left from last year's BL Championship squad.

"We hit a brick wall last season. It wasn't so much Amity; not to take anything away from their accomplishments last season - four 20 game winners are unprecedented, it was a generally feeling that we had maxed out our talent pool and we were not getting any better. Hence, some changes had to be made."

Changes they did make, the biggest being the trading of 1997 Weaver Series MVP and former Cy Young Walter Johnson.

"Johnson is a work horse, he's had some great seasons for us here. He's a leader and was responsible for getting us that first Weaver Series Crown. Walter wanted to leave Rio, he was always a quiet leader. The fast paced lifestyle of Rio didn't really agree with him and his family life. But we got Addie Joss in return. He has exceded all expectations and is currently the most dominant starter in the BL hands down. He is obviously the leading candidate for the Cy Young award."

Former All-Star catcher Jason Kendall was also shipped out this year. In return, the Capys received closer Terry Adams.

"We wanted to give young Mike Sweeney the opportunity to play everyday. At the same time, Adams has helped out our bullpen tremendously so far. He's leading the BL in saves and he's only in his mid-20's, leading me to believe he's going to be our closer for a very long time."

In another shocker, Tom Glavine was sent to the IL's L.A. Riots. Coming to Rio were young catcher Marcus Jensen and starter Sterling Hitchcock.

"Glavine, at 33, was sadly not part of our plans. He's a great pitcher, and I see he's having lots of fun out there in LA. He may be thanking us for the opportunity to play for the Weaver Cup. Hitchcock has been a disappointment thus far. However, he's still relatively young and with the help of our fine pitching coaches should get this thing turned around. He's got good stuff, excellent control and a devestating curve ball."

Belcher, Andy Larkin and Rondell White were shipped to Gobi for a couple of young pitchers - Esteban Loaiza and Gabe White. A move that really solidified the bullpen for Rio.

"White became expendable after the maturation of 2B Charles Peterson. We moved speedy Eric Owens to left field, where he's played quite well and gave Peterson a chance to play everyday at 2nd. (Gabe) White should do well as a setup/middle relief type of guy. Loaiza gives us great depth, he can throw a lot of innings and give us the odd start should the need arise."

Little known SS Kamo Sagara was obtained from Chernobyl for Mike Grace. Sagara, a Japanese League All-Star, is a slick fielder who should develop into a terror on the base paths.

"I know nothing of this guy, but what he's shown me so far is that he's one of the best at playing his position."

Through all these trades, Rio has managed to pick up a couple of early first round picks as well (#5 and #13) which may really help to insure this teams dominance in the coming years.

"We're hoping that these moves start to payoff in the upcoming two seasons. That is not to say that we are throwing in the towel this season. We are only about 6 games out at this point. The Roehm can be had by any of the top 4 teams. Jamaica and Madrid have both played very well so far and Havana has looked ordinary this season. It should be an interesting race!"