Cariaso, Hugnatan to Alaska for Peek, Arigo

Coca-Cola was forced to trade key players Jeffrey Cariaso and Reynel Hugnatan plus a future draft pick to Alaska Milk in exchange for Ali Peek and John Arigo yesterday on the departure of Rudy Hatfield.

"This deal was forced upon us by the ouster of Rudy (Hatfield). This would have never come to our attention if Rudy’s still with us. Maganda naman kasi ang tinatakbo ng team," said Coca-Cola coach Chot Reyes.

"It became an attractive deal for us because we’re getting two players who are young and obviously talented ones. Most importantly, the arrival of Peek can soften the impact of us losing Hatfield," Reyes added.

Hatfield was among six players indefinitely suspended by the PBA Commissioner’s Office after they were charged as "Fil-Shams" by the Department of Justice in a recent resolution. Hatfield has lost his DOJ certificate of recognition and is facing deportation proceedings by the Bureau of Immigration.

Cariaso and Hugnatan suit up with the Aces as they take on the San Miguel Beermen in the Gran Matador PBA Philippines Cup at the Araneta Coliseum today. Ginebra and Shell play in the other game.

Alaska coach Tim Cone called a special practice from 9-10 a.m. at the Philsports Arena to brief Cariaso and Hugnatan on their plays.

"It was just an innocent talk (with Alaska coach Tim Cone) last week. It became serious and quick transition after the new development on the Fil-Sham case," said Reyes.

Coca-Cola is also giving away its first-round draft pick in 2009 as part of the deal.

But the Alaska organization was most satisfied on its reacquisition of Cariaso — the team’s first round pick and eventual winner of the Rookie of the Year honors in 1995. Alaska lost Cariaso in 1997 on Mobiline’s offer sheet.

"We’re looking for a leader and we felt good in getting Jeffrey," said Alaska team manager Joaqui Trillo.

Reyes said Cone gave away Peek "to clear the way for Sonny Thoss to really blossom." — Nelson Beltran