Cardona moves to Talk n Text

Talk n Text has filled up a big void in its lineup, particularly at wing spot, by acquiring Mark "Mac Mac" Cardona from Air21 in exchange for veteran guard Patrick Fran Wednesday night.

Cardona, the former La Salle top gun picked fifth overall by Air21 in the recent PBA Rookie draft, moved over to Talk n Text a few hours after signing a three-year contract with the Express.

The 5-foot-11 wingman got a P7.9-million pact which guarantees him a monthly take of P140,000 this year, P210,000 the following year and P315,000 in 2007.

To many, the Cardona-Fran was a one-sided deal in favor of Talk n Text. There were words, though, that there was cash involved in the deal.

Cardona is expected to immediately make an impact for Talk n Text especially with Willie Miller likely to miss the early goings of the 2005-06 PBA season due to the injury he sustained in the Jones Cup.

Like FedEx, Talk n Text is actually in the process of unloading excess players even as Bong Ravena has retired to join the team’s coaching staff.

Apparently, Talk n Text bought out the remainder of Ravena’s contract as a player.

On the trading block at Talk n Text are Don Camaso and Joey Mente.

At Red Bull, free agents Jerwin Gaco, Edwin Bacani, Clarence Cole and Estong Ballesteros have been cut in the tryouts.

Ninth pick Leo Najorda is likely to get a three-year contract although he will only become available to join the Barakos at the end of the NCAA campaign by the third week of September.

Though Larry Fonacier isn’t yet in top form following a bout with an injury, Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao considered this former Ateneo player their "steal" in the draft.

"He’ll be a big asset for our team. And the good news is that he may already be ready to play when the tournament starts in October," said Guiao.