LONG BEACH (AP) - To say that fans of the Long Beach Lobsters are excited could actually be an understatement.

In the midst of their most successful campaign in franchise history, the Lobsters sent shockwaves around the Weaver League as All-Timer Christy Matthewson joined the Lobster starting pitching staff.

Acquiring Matthewson from the Sicily Godfathers was not an easy task. Trade talks with Sicily were long and many midnight oils were burned to make this deal happen. "The whole orgaization had the full support of owner Ken Paplanus to use our resources to make this deal happen," said GM Bryon Russell. "We were not going to sell the farm or stray from our plan, but this was a unique opportunity for us and given the tight race we are in with Rio de Janerio we could not pass up this chance. You have to pay with quality to get quality - in this case this was a real win-win for both teams involved."

Team skipper Lucious Harris is ecstatic to have Matthewson aboard. "Once the details were worked out and the deal was set we called Christy and wanted to make sure he was OK with the move. He told us he was ready to join the Lobster organization and get into the pennant race."

Matthewson rushed into town to join the team the very next day, and pitched a 1 hitter in his first outing as a Lobster. After arriving in town, Matthewson was all smiles. "I am going to miss the great fans in Sicily, but this was a fantastic opportunity for me to finish my career with a real up and coming team in a great town, with a supberb stadium in the Lobster Tank, and a first class organization behind it. I look forward to doing what I can for the for the fans and city of Long Beach."

Team owner Ken Paplanus gave the final OK on the deal, moving two keys to the future in center fielder Edward Sandavol and minor league pitching phenom Jack Whitehurst (as well as shortstop prospect Roy David, veteran pitcher Donovan Osborne, and a second round pick aquired from the Cape Town Convicts). "We will miss the contributions that Ed and Jack gave to the organization, and I thank them for all they have done. They will be missed. We're sure that they will both have outstanding careers in Sicily. But there comes a point where you have to look at your resources and make a calculated gamble for the team. We have built this team the right way, and as a result we are in a position where we don't have to compromise our entire future while making this move. The fans, the team, and the the city have been very patient with our organization, and now I think it is time to pay back that loyalty. This is NOT a risk for us. We are getting a true legend to anchor our staff. He will be an invaluable leader for us on the field and in the clubhouse."

With his arrival was the announcement that when his playing days are over, Mattewson will remain in the Lobster organization in some capacity via a new lifetime contract. Paplanus commented, "We will talk about that when the time comes. I expect he has MANY fine games left on the mound with the Lobsters first. I think this will rejuvinate him even more and I expect he will be an anchor for us for the next several seasons."

Matthewson wasn't the only player who was sent to the Lobsters in the deal. Pitching coach Juaquin Hawkins also had praise for another pitcher that came to Long Beach in the deal. "With so much focus on Matthewson do not forget about the addition of Stan Englund. With Ismael Valdes out 2-4 weeks with his injury, Englund should step in without a beat and help our rotation. All of the players are excited about the deal, with several players offering to switch their roles to accomedate the additions of Matthewson and Englund. It is this unselfishness that makes this team so special."

Commenting on a couple of bats the Lobsters picked up in the deal, GM Russell added, "Vladimir Guerrero adds some depth to our bench and Tim Naehring is a great veteran who will fill our pinch hititng duties this stretch drive. In addition, the #1 pick and future #2 pick we aquired will enable us to land a couple of pretty good young players to ease (but not replace) the loss of the young talent we had to give up."

A cautious optimism is growing in Long Beach. "This has been a special season to date" says owner Ken Paplanus, "and this deal can only serve to enhance that."

Fans have welcomed Matthewson, Englund, and company to Long Beach in grand style. 5000 fans greated the newsest Lobsters at Long Beach Airport on their arrival to the city, and and a estimated 12,000 fans jammed The Pyrmaid and the surrounding park to listen to the new Losbsters greet the local media and city. Even with all tickets for this season sold out months ago, lines to the Lobster Tank were jammed all weekend as word of the deal came down. Now season tickets and all luxary boxes for the next three seasons are sold out and a waiting list of 5000 fans for season tickets is in place.

Says Englund, "This is a great place to be in, a great baseball town. I am glad to be here."

Matthewson concluded, "This organization came to Long Beach in 2004 as the worst in the league. They have come a long way, and are a model organization to play for now. I am proud to say I am a Lobster."

"This was one heck of a weekend for the Lobsters, the fans, and the City of Long Beach," concluded owner Ken Paplanus.

Time will tell how this move effects the team and its performance, but at this time Long Beach is definitley talking about only one thing... baseball.