Saturday, February 20, 1999Reds' bid for Meares falling short
Deal for Vina unlikely as well
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati EnquirerSARASOTA, Fla. — Reds General Manager Jim Bowden said “we're in a lot of discussions” when asked Friday about trade prospects, though he refused to comment on whether his negotiations hinge on the fate of free-agent infielder Pat Meares.
The Reds are said to have offered a one-year, $1 million contract to Meares.
Meares, 30, has been the Twins starting shortstop for the last four seasons but would play second base for Cincinnati. He hit .260 with nine home runs and 70 RBI last year.
Pittsburgh reportedly has made Meares a better offer — a one-year, $1.5 million deal as a shortstop.
Meares has delayed his decision through much of this week. Meares' agent, Steve Comte, did not return phone calls Friday.
TOMKO FOR VINA? NO THANKS: RChances for a trade for Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Fernando Vina appear slim. A Brewers source said Milwaukee GM Sal Bando rejected Cincinnati's offer of left-hander Dennys Reyes and outfielder Jeffrey Hammonds for Vina and right-hander Chad Fox, a former Reds farmhand who has developed into a capable setup reliever.
Sources on both teams confirmed that Milwaukee wants right-hander Brett Tomko, whom the Reds will not relinquish.
Though the Brewers need catching depth, they apparently have no interest in Brook Fordyce.
Moreover, Vina is due to earn $1.8 million this year and $2 million next season. The All-Star is a bargain, but his price tag still would strain Cincinnati's $30 million-$32 million payroll budget.
Asked if the Reds could accommodate another payroll increase, which was approved to pave the way for the Greg Vaughn trade, Reds Managing Executive John Allen said, “The answer to that is no.”
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