Friday, December 10, 1999
Winter meetings preview
The Associated Press
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Ken Griffey Jr. is the No. 1 attraction, naturally. And with Alex Rodriguez, Chuck Finley and Carlos Delgado also available, plenty of big names might change places during the winter meetings, which start today.
At last year's meetings, Kevin Brown, Rickey Henderson and Edgar Renteria found new homes. A look at what teams might be trying to do in the next week:
NL Central
Chicago — Hoping to sign free agent Joe Girardi since the former Cubs catcher left the Yankees.
Cincinnati — Jim Bowden has made it his mission to get Griffey. And when the Reds' shrewd GM wants something, he often gets it.
Houston — Moises Alou could be on the trading block after being sidelined for all of 1999.
Milwaukee — New manager Davey Lopes faces a tough road minus any new stadium money.
Pittsburgh — Jason Schmidt is the top trade candidate — almost everyone needs a top starting pitcher.
St. Louis — Already acquired Pat Hentgen and Darryl Kile, searching for a closer after Mike Jackson signed with the Phillies. Pursuing Girardi, too.
NL East
Atlanta — Gerald Williams starred as a late-season leadoff man before becoming a free agent. If he goes, need to solidify this longtime hole.
Florida — Cliff Floyd always attracts interest. Could get prospects for him, but Marlins have plenty of them.
Montreal — Getting lots of offers for Rondell White. Have to decide what to do with him.
New York — Now that first baseman John Olerud is gone, turning their attention free agent David Segui and Delgado. Otherwise, Bobby Bonilla is the best option.
Philadelphia — Probably will stand pat after getting pitchers Andy Ashby and Mike Jackson in a busy offseason.
NL West
Arizona — Aiming to move right fielder Tony Womack to shortstop and shift first baseman Travis Lee to right field. Might need insurance in case those plans do not pay off.
Colorado — Would love to get right fielder Ismael Valdes from Dodgers.
Los Angeles — Want to keep third baseman Adrian Beltre. If not, Todd Zeile is a possibility.
San Diego — Have talked about trading outfielder Reggie Sanders. He might bring a fair price.
San Francisco — Could upgrade at third base. Charlie Hayes became a free agent and Bill Mueller does not hit for power.
AL Central
Chicago — Certainly a longshot, but GM Ron Schueler is trying to trade for Seattle shortstop Alex Rodriguez.
Cleveland — Need a leadoff man/center fielder because of Kenny Lofton's injury. New manager Charlie Manuel is leaning toward giving the job to Dave Roberts.
Detroit — Made its big move in getting Juan Gonzalez from Texas. Now, it needs to keep him — pulling in the fences at new Comerica Park would help.
Kansas City — A dependable closer is the priority because of Jeff Montgomery's retirement.
Minnesota — Lost free agent Mike Trombley to Orioles and is searching for a replacement.
AL East
Baltimore — Who's in charge? Still trying to find a general manager after firing Frank Wren at the end of the season.
Boston — With Bret Saberhagen and Tom Gordon ailing, need to bolster the staff to stay in contention.
New York — Hoping to trade Hideki Irabu because young Ed Yarnall is ready for a spot in the rotation.
Tampa Bay — Looking to sign pitcher Kenny Rogers and, with Wade Boggs' retirement, perhaps get Vinny Castilla as a full-time third baseman.
Toronto — Signing slugger Carlos Delgado to a contract extension is the top objective. Trading David Wells — maybe to the Mets — is possible.
AL West
Anaheim — Said goodbye to Finley, meaning a starting pitcher is a must.
Oakland — Smart GM Billy Beane has made a habit of plucking stars — such as John Jaha and Matt Stairs — off baseball's scrap heap. Who's next?
Seattle — Stay tuned to the most exciting show in town, the Griffey sweepstakes. With Junior and Rodriguez available, this is the team to watch all week.
Texas — Re-signing free agent pitcher Aaron Sele would really help. Got Justin Thompson in the Gonzalez deal, but his arm has been hurting.
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