Priming The Pump

Sporting News, The, August 2, 1999 by Mark Bonavita

Psssst ... Want to make a deal? The days leading up to the trade deadline are prime time for rumor, gossip and innuendo. And we're not mining out on any of the fun.

One of baseball's most anticipated seasons is upon us: the trading season. Since 1995, when the postseason field first included wild cards, July 31 has become even more exciting and important because more teams are involved in the frenzy. And what happens over phone lines and fax machines in July has a direct link to what we'll see in October. THE SPORTING NEWS is more than happy to get involved with this deadline madness.

Last year, the bidding wars for Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens kept us enthralled for most of July. Johnson was traded to the Astros and Clemens stayed put, but speculation and anticipation were what grabbed our attention. Blockbuster trades aren't likely this season, but figure there will be more movement than in previous years.

TSN has talked to experts and analyzed the teams most likely to be active before the trade deadline--taking into account each team's needs, available players and likely scenarios--to set into motion our rumor mill.

As always, numerous names and teams were being bandied about in trade minors. Curt Schilling? The Phillies have been adamant about not trading their ace, but you can bet his name will surface. Ken Griffey Jr.? You'll hear that name. How about. Alex Rodriguez? Him, too, even though it's unlikely the Mariners would move either of their superstars less than a month after the opening of Safeco Field.

Here's what we came up with:

Heavy hitters

INDIANS

Needs: Starting pitcher, third baseman, left-handed reliever.

TSN suggests: Indians trade IF Enrique Wilson and minor league RHP Willie Martinez to Angels for LHP Chuck Finley.

The reasoning: The Indians didn't want David Wells enough to match the Blue Jays' reported demand of Richie Sexson, Bartolo Colon and Wilson. Wells is no longer on the block, but Toronto's proposal is typical of the ludicrous demands Cleveland G.M. John Hart has heard the past few years. Finley is a notch below Wells and hasn't pitched especially well this season, but his success against the Yankees makes him a good fit. Wilson is a good middle infielder just waiting for a chance to play every day, and Martinez could be a quality big-league starter within a year or two. The Angels might ask for more, but the Indians haven't been willing to give up more than one top prospect.

Other possibilities: Starters--Alex Fernandez, Marlins; Kevin Appier, Royals; Darryl Kile, Rockies.

Third base--Vinny Castilla, Rockies; Sean Berry, Brewers; Carlos Baerga, Padres; Gary Gaetti, Cubs; Ed Sprague, Pirates; Herbert Perry, Devil Rays.

Lefthanded relievers--Jason Christiansen, Pirates; Arthur Rhodes, Orioles; C.J. Nitkowski, Tigers; Scott Radinsky, Cardinals; Eddie Guardado, Twins.

RED SOX

Needs: Outfielder/designated hitter, starting pitcher, reliever.

TSN suggests I: Red Sox trade OF Trot Nixon, minor league RHP Juan Pena and minor league SS Adam Everett to Rockies for OF Dante Bichette and RHP Jerry Dipoto.

The reasoning: The Red Sox have been getting by without an established power hitter (other than Nomar Garciaparra), but the second half could be a different story. Bichette could start in right field and give Garciaparra legitimate protection in the middle of the lineup. The numbers won't be the same for Bichette outside of Denver, but he should be effective at Fenway. Dipoto could help the team as a setup man and serve as insurance in case Tom Gordon misses the rest of the season. The Rockies would be taking a chance on three young players, but it isn't likely they'll do any worse this season. Nixon continues to be inconsistent in Boston, but he has outstanding tools and is only 25; Pena has been hampered by injuries but has been successful everywhere he has pitched (including two starts for Boston); and Everett is an excellent defensive shortstop who figures to switch to second base and could develop into a respectable hitter.

TSN suggests II: Red Sox trade minor league OF Michael Coleman to Cardinals for LHP Darren Oliver.

The reasoning: The Cardinals don't figure to get much for Oliver, and the Red Sox, assuming they make a bigger deal for a hitter, won't have much left to trade. Coleman has excellent raw tools, but he needs to be a more patient hitter and has struggled with injuries and attitude. He hits for power and has good speed and would be a good fourth outfielder and, eventually, perhaps a starter.

Other possibilities: Outfielder/designated hitter--Bobby Higginson, Tigers; Rondell White, Expos; Eric Karros, Dodgers.

Starting pitchers--Chuck Finley, Angels; Justin Thompson, Tigers; Kevin Appier, Royals.

Relievers--Roberto Hernandez, Devil Rays; Dan Miceli, Padres.

BRAVES

Needs: First baseman, left fielder.

TSN suggests I: Braves trade OF/1B Ryan Klesko to Devil Rays for 1B Fred McGriff.

The reasoning: McGriff is having an outstanding season and would be a perfect fit for the Braves, who are looking for a lefthanded hitter to put in the middle of the order. He also is a free agent, so there's no baggage for next season. He essentially would be taking Klesko's spot in the lineup. Although Klesko has started to hit better recently, the Braves have been disappointed in his development--especially against lefties--and would like to dump his salary. Only 28, Klesko has good power and still has a chance to become a better hitter.