Congratulations, Stones!

Steve's Stones capped off a commanding 2nd half performance by winning the second championship in franchise history, joining David's Copperfields, Dem Rebels, David's Ruffins, and Eric's Lambchops as the only two-time league champs.

At the season's halfway point, the Stones held a slim 1.5 point lead, only recently having moved into the top spot. A week later, the lead had grown to 12.5 points, and for the rest of the season never fell below 8.5 points. The Stone's final 12.5 point margin of victory was the third highest ever, and marked just the 4th time in the CFCL's 25-year history that the Champion finished with a double-digit lead over the second place team.

Speaking of the second place team, back when the Stones were beginning their second half surge, Mo's Red Hots sat in 8th place. However, while teams above them in the standings turned toward next year and started dumping, the Red Hots went to work on their current squad, adding talent via trades and free agent acquisitions, and began a surge of their own. Over the next five periods they picked up 20 points and injected themselves into the pennant race. They fell short in the end, but deserve kudos for their attempt.

Congrats to the Stones, nice try to the Hots, and thanks to everyone else for taking part in the CFCL's 25th season.

Stones and Kenndoza Combine on 16-Player Blockbuster

Johan Santana wasn't around long enough to be fitted for his Kenndoza Line uniform, as the Line sent him to Steve's Stones as part of an 8-for-8 trade.

Along with Santana (.48-10+), the Stones received catcher Russell Martin (.10-08), first baseman Albert Pujols (.41-10), second baseman Kaz Matsui (.01-08), outfielder Randy Winn (.24-10+), and pitchers Jorge Campillo (.06-10+), Luis Ayala (.02-10+), and David Riske (.02-10+).

Going from the Stones to Kenndoza are outfielder Matt Kemp (.05-09+), infielder Geoff Blum (.10-10+), catcher(?) Mike Rebelo (.01-10+), pitchers Tim Lincecum (.10-09+), Yovani Gallardo (.10-09x), and prospects Ian Stewart (.05-10x), Alcides Escobar (.02-Mx), and Pedro Alvarez (.05-Mx).

Stones Reacquire Stetter

Steve's Stones reacquired reliever Mitch Stetter from Moore Better. The Stones had originally dealt Stetter to the Better about three weeks ago as part of an eight-player deal.

To ransom Stetter, the Stones sent first base prospect Joe Koshansky to Moore Better.

The Stones made room for Stetter on their active roster by reserving Dan Uggla.

Stones - Moore Better Trade

First-year franchise Moore Better continued to dismantle their inaugural roster today by completing a deal with second place Steve's Stones. The move is their second trade this week, following their earlier deal with the front-running Morkertzuma's Revenge.

In their latest move, Moore Better shipped second baseman Jeff Kent (.22-09+), rehabbing catcher Paul LoDuca (.13-09+), reliever Jon Rauch (.10-09+), and infielder Ramon Martinez (.10-10+) to the Stones for pitchers Homer Bailey (.05-10+) and Mitch Stetter (.05-10+) and prospects Matt Antonelli (.10-Mx) and Brandon Jones (.10-Mx).

Moore Better - Stones Trade

Another CFCL rookie makes his debut in the CFCL trade market.

Moore Better has sent Derek Turnbow (2-9) to Steve's Stones for Tony Gwynn Jr (1-9) and Will Inman (5-M).