Posturing for the playoffs

Sporting News, The, May 24, 1999 by Bob Klapisch

The summerlong chess game continues between the Indians and Yankees. It's an irresistible war, really: Baseball executives think the Indians may actually finish with a better record than the Yankees, though the Indians still lack the No. 1 pitcher who can contain Derek Jeter and Paul O'Neill in the postseason.

That's why Indians general manager John Hart is still plotting to pry Curt Schilling from the Phillies--and why Yankees G.M. Brian Cashman is committed to blocking any such deal. Though the Phillies have told other G.M.s that Schilling is staying put for now, that could change if the Phils fall out of playoff contention and realize they could vastly strengthen their future by trading Schilling.

And therein lies the Yankees' problem. They don't really need Schilling or want to trade three or four prospects to acquire him. Yet Cashman knows that Schilling is the one component who could make the Indians unbeatable.

"They're a terrific team, top-notch," Cashman says. "And they make smart moves, ones with an eye on us." Cashman is convinced Cleveland traded outfielder Brian Giles to the Pirates last winter for Ricky Rincon--who recently was activated from a month-long stint on the disabled list-simply because they needed a way to cope with the Yankees' lefthanded hitters.

Schilling would pay even higher dividends against the Yankees-especially since the Indians remember that he overpowered the Yankees in an interleague game September 1, 1997, at the Vet, striking out 16 in eight innings and allowing one run and seven hits.

Thus, the best the Yankees can do is hope the Phillies will make good on a promise to call them when Schilling finally goes on the market. Still, Cashman doesn't share Hart's need-or obsession.

One American League G.M. says Hart "will do whatever it takes--anything-to get Schilling or (Kenny) Rogers or (David) Wells. Whoever the Indians think they need to beat the Yankees, they're going to get. Trust me, Hart is telling people this is his year."