RIO DE JANERIO (AP) - The Rio de Janerio Capybaras find themselves 11.5 games out of first place behind the division leading Long Beach Lobsters. Having seen half the season come and go, many a GM would be tempted to throw in the towel and say, "We'll be back next year!". However, it seems that tired old cliche doesn't fly in baseball town, Rio.

Today, Capybaras management came to terms on a deal with the Cozumel Mayans. Changing uniforms are super-pitcher-extraordinnaire Smokey Joe Wood, former Capy and fan favourite, 1B/DH Klesko and speedy, defensive 2B Yokohama. Going the other way is a handful of young, highly touted prospects. They include P Sanders, P Innis and SS Roche. If Rio's intentions of going all the way weren't clear before, you can rest assured - they mean business now.

However, is it too late? With 75+ games remaining, it would seem that Long Beach, having a superb season of their own, may be out of reach.

"We have 13 games remaining against Long Beach, all of which go into the 'must win' category. We also have 3 games in hand on the Lobsters, so really, we're only 10 back!"

So, is it a good deal? You can't put a price on winning. When you're this close, your only focus should be today.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I was gonna title this article "Capys Get Wood", but the 12 year old in me couldn't stop snickering. - Jim