ARLINGTON, Texas -- Fred McGriff, Albie Lopez and Mike DiFelice are gone.
Is Greg Vaughn going to be next?
General manager Chuck LaMar flew to Tampa Bay on Sunday afternoon, and the 2 1/2 hours on the plane probably was the only time his cell phone will be off until Tuesday's 4 p.m. non-waiver trading deadline.
Having trimmed about $11-million in salary over this season and next by dealing the three veterans, LaMar said Sunday he plans to vigorously continue efforts to reduce payroll.
"We're fortunate to have made some moves already and we'll see what happens before Tuesday afternoon," he said. "Discussions have continued, and if we get the opportunity to move payroll, that's what we'll do. I don't think it will be a situation where what we ask for in return will be the holdup. It will be if there is interest and a fit for one of our veteran players. We're trying to get the best deal we can, but moving finances is by far the most important thing."
The biggest savings would come in trading Vaughn, who makes $8.25-million this season and $19-million over the next two. Several teams have expressed at least some interest, and others still might.
The Twins, Red Sox and Mariners could use his bat immediately, and the Mets are looking to add offense for next season. The Braves might have interest depending on the severity of the knee injury outfielder Brian Jordan suffered Sunday.
Vaughn, whose position is that he signed a contract with the Rays and is honoring it, has taken a "whatever happens, happens" approach.
"Nothing's new," Vaughn said Sunday. "And I don't worry about it."
Vaughn has a limited no-trade clause in his contract, but that is not expected to be much of a problem if the Rays strike a deal to send him to a contender.
Other trade candidates include veteran catcher John Flaherty, who makes $3-million this season and $3.25-million in 2002, and relievers Doug Creek and Esteban Yan, who could get significant raises next season through arbitration.
Wow. Who'll be left? Not the fans, at this rate....
-New Yorker Did you really think that Hoboken was the birthplace of Base Ball?
Posts: 1025 | Location: New York City | Registered: February 05, 2001
Another thought (for my compadre conspiracistas): This impending Greg Vaughan trade got me thinking about the salary ceiling/floor issue. If you ascribe to DM's Selig CBA Script idea, what do you make of the Devilless Rays' salary dumping? For instance, if the owners already know (as I believe they do) that they will have to maintain a minimum salary within two years' time, do you think Tampa's cutbacks are an indication of "hope" for Tampa or "doom"? Are they preparing for a sale/move and want the new owner to be able to make the decision on rebuilding? Or are they counting on being looked at as the pobrecitas in need of generous revenue-sharing dollars because they suck so bad and have lost all their big stars? "
Portland in the National League.
Posts: 2387 | Location: Newberg, once again | Registered: December 29, 2000
Actually, all I think the D-Rays are doing is realizing they aren't going to win with high-salaried player, so get rid of them to contenders for a bunch of prospects, lose for a while with lower-priced players, and let the young talent develop. In about four or five years (if they aren't "contracted", 'cuz I doubt they'll move) -- Voila! SW Florida's version of this year's Twins!
Posts: 3729 | Location: Newberg, OR, USA | Registered: January 10, 2001
...but I LOVE to root for underdogs! Go Twins! Go Devil Rays! Go Cubs! Go Phillies! Go Mariners! (Yeah, they're underdogs -- somebody's still gotta knock off the defending champs if they're gonna win it all!)
Posts: 3729 | Location: Newberg, OR, USA | Registered: January 10, 2001
Did you really think that Hoboken was the birthplace of Base Ball?
