Thursday, July 16, 1998

BY SCOTT MacGREGOR
The Cincinnati Enquirer

It doesn't look like Reds pitcher Pete Harnisch will become a memeber of the San Diego Padres.

Reds General Manager Jim Bowden said Thursday a proposed three-team trade involving Harnisch is dead. The deal would have sent Harnisch to the Padres, pitcher Joey Hamilton to the Tigers, and prospects to the Reds.

"We don't have a fit with (Detroit)," Bowden said. "They're not willing to give up the players we feel can help us."

Detroit General Manager Randy Smith has said the Tigers were willing to give up top-flight outfield prospect Juan Encarnacion, but current Detroit center fielder Brian Hunter is believed to have been the hang-up.

"The ball, more or less, is in his court," Smith said. "He understands our position, and we understand his. At this point I don't think anything is going to happen."

Harnisch, though, remains on both the trading block and on the negotiating table. If he doesn't sign a new contract with the Reds by July 31, he'll be traded. Texas, Anaheim, San Diego and Boston have contacted the Reds about Harnisch.

Bowden said he exchanged voice mail messages Thursday with Harnisch's agent, Greg Clifton. The Reds have offered Harnisch two years at $6 million, which would increase to $8 million if he's traded after signing.

Rangers General Manager Doug Melvin said he spoke with the Reds this week about Harnisch, but Melvin is also talking to the Minnesota Twins about Bob Tewksbury and the Kansas Royals about Tim Belcher. The Reds have scouted two of Texas' top prospects, left-hander pitcher Corey Lee and catcher Cesar King, both at Double-A Tulsa. But Melvin said nothing is imminent.

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