Roberto Alomar to the Indians? Randy Johnson to the Dodgers? Randy Myers to the Braves?
All those deals or none of them could come true in the next two weeks as baseball approaches its annual July 31 trading deadline.Last year, there was a swapping spree, highlighted by Mark McGwire's move from Oakland to St. Louis. Harold Baines, Wilson Alvarez, Dean Palmer and eventual World Series winner Darren Daulton all changed teams before the deadline.
This year, as always, there are plenty of names and possibilities.
San Diego general manager Kevin Towers switched his travel schedule and planned to join the NL West-leading Padres in Cincinnati this weekend. The result could be a three-way trade involving pitcher Pete Harnisch.
The Padres have talked about a deal that would send Harnisch to San Diego, pitcher Joey Hamilton from the Padres to Detroit, and prospects from the Tigers to Cincinnati.
"Joey Hamilton is still a Padre for right now," Towers said this week. "Clubs have inquired about Joey. Not just one, several. We're not trying to trade him, but we're listening to offers."
Cleveland general manager John Hart insists the Indians are not pursuing Alomar, but a lot of people are skeptical.
The Baltimore second baseman is facing free agency and would like to play with his brother, Indians catcher Sandy Alomar. The disappointing Orioles have been winning lately, and their bid for a wild-card spot could delay owner Peter Angelos' push to trade high-priced veterans.
Barry Larkin, meanwhile, will apparently stay put in Cincinnati.
The Atlanta Braves, once again, may be looking for bullpen help. Worried about Mark Wohlers' struggles in the minors, the Braves supposedly inquired about Jeff Shaw before the All-Star reliever was traded from Cincinnati to Los Angeles on July 4.
Myers, who saved 45 games for Baltimore last season and has 23 for Toronto this year, might be a nice fit. The Blue Jays may be reluctant to part with him, however, if they still believe they have a chance at the wild card.
Johnson's season of discontent in Seattle could end. After getting close to a deal with the Dodgers earlier this year, Mariners management said the Big Unit would not be traded. His recent blowup with teammate David Segui, though, may prompt a chance in Seattle's stance.
Other players who might be changing addresses: Montreal pitcher Carlos Perez, Colorado outfielders Dante Bichette and Ellis Burks, Arizona outfielder Devon White and Minnesota pitcher Bob Tewksbury.