BORA BORA (AP) - The waves could be felt from Tokyo all the way to Jamaica as the Bora Bora Surfriders and Long Beach Lobsters consumated one of the biggest deals of the season. There have been prospects traded and there have been all-stars traded, but this reporter doesn't recall another trade that involved so many talened players in their prime. Long faces were abound in the Bora Bora locker room following the announcement that last year's MVP Joey Monk, All-Star Mark Mercedes and ace Johnny Hubbell were traded. It would be a homecoming of sort for Monk & Hubbell as they were acquired by Bora Bora from the Lobsters. Also traded were 3B Dick Simpson and young reliever Rob Kenberling.

"I can't believe I got traded! How can you trade the team captain?", said all-league infielder Monk. We won ninty-nine (expletive deleted) games and this is what we get? A (expletive deleted) fire sale."

Mark Mercedes was a bit more calm. During the press conferece he stated, "I understand that this is a business and that Dickie [Simpson] and Monk's contracts were due at the end of the season and that the team probably couldn't sign them. I know that Sean [team owner Sean Uezu] didn't want to part with any of us--but he had to do what was in the best interest of the team."

"To the people of Bora Bora, I'm sorry. I know you were excited with a chance for a pennant or a Weaver Cup. But I just didn't think we had enough juice to win the big one with the pieces we had. I didn't want to rebuild, but reload. The guys we got are very young, but more importantly--they are very good."

Sean Uezu was not kidding that the talent he got in return were very good. The jewel of this trade is Fred Clarkson. While nobody will be able to fill Mark's shoes--Clarkson will help wipe away those tears. Clarkson was a late bloomer, who's still imrproving, but has a great eye for the ball, nice speed and has a solid glove.

Third Baseman Johnny Evans is certainly a diamond in the rough. He's still young and needs to hit the weights to get some more power, but his raw talent is certainly there. He hits for good contact, is blazing around the basepaths and has a rifle for an arm.

Speaking of rifles, veteran Pete Horner has one mounted on his right shoulder. Horner throws very hard, but also has great control. His stuff is decent, but he will certainly give many good innings to the Surfriders.

Left Andy Wall was a major acquisition for Bora Bora. It's still debatable if he's a starter or reliever, but wherever he goes he should be productive. Wall has nice control and pretty good stuff. He's only 27 and has some room to grow.

Jarod Kobylarczyk is a nice prospect, but it looks like Jeff Spicoli and Sean Uezu will keep him in the minors a bit till he gets a bit more control on his pitches. Also included in the deal was slick fielding shortstop Joey Keefe and plus-rated catching prospect Jeff Frisk.

This was a massive risk for Bora Bora, as you do not replace a guy like Monk or Hubbell--but if the young prospects turn out as Sean and company think, it may be he who gets the last laugh.