HAVANA (AP) - After standing pat for the first two months of the season, the Havana Cigars traded for perennial BL All-Star 2B Todd Walker in an effort to win back-to-back Roehm division titles. In return, the Cigars sent young 1B prospect Paul Burnett to the Edmonton Orcas.

The aging Walker is having a subpar season so far (compared to his lofty standards), but Cigars management is hoping that he can rebound and be the spark that Havana's offense has been lacking.

"We've lost a lot of offense these last 3 months due to injuries and retirement," said GM Edwin Mercado. "Losing C Chris Goodwin for 3 months took a lot of power out, and we're hoping Walker can step right in and pick up the slack."

With fan favorite 2B Desi Relaford firmly entrenched, Manager Fidel Castro is planning on shifting Walker to the outfield for the remainder of the season.

"Having Walker in LF is going to be a big help," said Castro. "Although he's never played the position before, he's got good hands and range, so I'm hoping that translates over."

News of Walker's arrival was warmly greeted by Cigars fans, who have grown increasingly impatient with the team's experiment of starting rookie outfielders in the corner slots. SS/LF Jake Koestner and LF Mark Tartabull, both hitting sub-.200, are now expected to fill vital bench roles, while the best of the trio, RF Tom Nelson, is expected to keep his starting job.

"Losing both Becker and Chmura at the end of last season really hurt," said avowed Cigars fan Luis Guevara. "Becker was the best, totally a 5-tool guy that could do everything. Chmura was gonna be the next one too, but that punk cashed out with Tokyo... I can't wait til he shows up here again."

When contacted with the news, Walker was both excited to learn about his next destination and despondent over the thought of leaving Edmonton.

"I'm really looking forward to hitting leadoff for the Cigars and getting in the thick of the race," said Walker. "The only bad thing about this trade is having to leave Edmonton.. I've had a blast these last few years and especially appreciate how GM J.J. Wurz has been upfront in dealing with my trade request."

Trade negotiations proceeded quickly, as both GMs had important agendas in mind: Edmonton wanted to acquire more youth for its aging stars, while Havana was looking to bolster its lineup for the stretch run. Before deciding to part with Burnett, Castro Field was the site of some intense debating.

"We had a lot of scouts who really wanted to keep Burnett," said Mercado. "With Todd Walker out there, though, we knew we had to give something to get something good. We had Burnett graded out in the future as a .320+/35+/100+ RBI-type guy.. solid, solid hitter."

Burnett was similarly excited about the prospect of joining a young team on the verge of contention.

"Going to Edmonton is gonna be a real sweet deal," said the young 1B. "I'm gonna get a chance to prove myself, and plus, I hear the post-game spread has poutine every night.. yum."

Walker is expected to make his Cigars debut during one of the most difficult parts of the team schedule: a 10-game swing vs. their two biggest rivals, the Long Beach Lobsters and the Rio de Janeiro Capybaras.

With the Cigars acquiring Walker and the Capys acquiring a slew of top-quality pitching, can a bold move from the Lobsters be coming soon? Fans throughout the Roehm Division are on pins and needles, waiting to see how the title race in the Weaver League's best division will be settled.