Feature News 01/24/2005 2:48 AM ET Jackpot! Doggs hit it big in Rickie Weeks sweepstakes By Conor Intabedd / The Weekly Reno Rag RENO, NV - The wait is over. Rickie Weeks has been given his notice to clean out his locker in Rakeville. After more than a month of negotiations and a failed attempt at a 6-team trade, the Doggs and the Rockets have finally come to an agreement on a trade that would send prospective second baseman Rickie Weeks to Las Vegas. The final details of the trade sent Weeks and the Rakeville 5th round draft pick to the Doggs, while the Doggs sent young power hitting outfielder Vernon Wells back to the Rockets. The Doggs also agreed to hold one Rakeville player on their 20-man roster prior to the 2005 draft. Las Vegas fills in what they felt to be their one hole on their offense while the Rakeville team added much needed power to their outfield. Weeks wouldn’t have seen much playing time with the Rockets as it was with Rockets’ captain Luis Castillo holding onto his spot at second base. Wells was one of three power-hitting outfielders in Las Vegas and has actually voiced his desire to play elsewhere; somewhere where he might be able to stand out more. “I love Las Vegas. I love the fans. But when they brought in Adam [Dunn] I felt like I was going to be lost in the shuffle. I feel I’m better than that,” commented Wells. Weeks on the other hand, though afraid that his gambling issues may act up, is excited to play for the defending champs. “I don’t think it’ll be that much of an issue. Pete [Rose] is there and I’m sure he’ll be able to help me out, one way or another,” Weeks said when asked about the fact that he’ll be playing in the gambling center of the country. “It’s no surprise that many players are attracted to this team because of our location,” commented GM Howe Dogg, “I mean, even other managers, such as Pat Renaud, have shown interest in coming here. We’re a special team in a special city.” “What can I say, I like gambling. It’s fun,” commented Pat Renaud. “Look, I made a bet with a team that had nothing to do [with] what I can control. It’s just a fun thing to do.” Rickie Weeks will replace current Doggs starting second baseman D’Angelo Jiminez, who is not likely to make the Las Vegas 20-man roster. Reports have been coming in about him taking a job at the Reno location of his favorite restaurant, “D’Angelo Sandwiches”. “I mean, it’s great. This whole trade worked out best for everyone. Now I can spend more time on my passion, and I think we all know what that is… sandwiches!” Jiminez said with much excitement. The Las Vegas Doggs won their first championship in 2004, beating the 3-time defending champion Weymouth Shaddupu. Conor Intabedd writes an opinion column for The Weekly Reno Rag, and is a frequent customer of "Bill's Babe Shack and Prime Rib."