All-Rumor Team

Jason Michael Barker

I don't know about you, but I'm a big fan of the July 31 trading deadline. As if the unsubstantiated rumors and wild speculation weren't enough for you, players actually change teams before the night is over! You can't beat that with a baseball bat.

That in mind, here's starting line-up entirely of players rumored to be packing come Monday.

Catcher -- Charles Johnson, Baltimore
Johnson, widely regarded as the top defensive catcher this side of Pudge Rodriguez, is in the final year of his contract with the Orioles and having the best offensive year of his career, and has already set a career high with 20 homers. Rumor has it he and his agent are looking for a five-year deal, while the Orioles are offering three. With Baltimore out of the race and youngster Jason Wyerth, currently at AA Bowie, on the way up, no doubt they'd like to get something for Johnson rather than let him walk.

First base -- Rico Brogna, Philadelphia
Brogna has already, rightfully, lost his job to rookie Pat "the Bat" Burrell, who has been playing since Brogna went on the disabled list back in May. Of course, it will probably be hard for the Phillies to unload a weak-hitting first baseman, since players at good as, or better than, Brogna are readily available in the minors. Still, somewhere out there is a general manager who feels his team needs a veteran left-handed bat. Just hope it isn't your team.

Second base -- Bret Boone, San Diego
Featuring a bit of pop in his bat and little else, Boone also comes with nearly a $4M price tag. The Padres certainly aren't going anywhere with him, and earlier in the year he was rumored to be heading back to Seattle, where he began his career. He certainly isn't going to put anyone over the top, but there could very well be suitors come deadline day.

Third base -- Travis Fryman, Cleveland
Is Fryman on the block or not? Trading him might free up room to re-sign Manny Ramirez, but if the Tribe decide to rebuild, anybody and everybody could be on the block. Even at 31, Fryman is having the best season of his career this year, and carries all those adjectives -- scrappy, gamer, tough -- general managers love. He's only made four errors at third all year, to boot (bad pun intended). On the other hand, Ramirez might be the one on his way out, with the rest of the club remaining intact.

Shortstop -- Mike Bordick, Baltimore
In the eyes of this writer, the Orioles would be fools not to trade Bordick while his value is high. For that matter, they probably should have dealt him after April, when he had seven homers and was hitting .352. It's no secret the Mets are looking for a shortstop, and now that Barry Larkin has snubbed them Bordick seems the obvious choice. Of course, knowing the Orioles, they'll likely sign Bordick to a four-year, $32M contract with a club option for the fifth year.

Right field -- Manny Ramirez, Cleveland
It's no secret that Ramirez is on the block, as he's a free agent after the year and is said to be looking for between $15M and $18M per season. Will the Indians scrap their club to re-sign him, or deal him to a team looking to rent his services for two months? Ramirez is the best hitter available in the trade market, and should command a fairly steep price. Of course, he's just going to sign with the Yankees this winter, so why bother?

Center field -- Johnny Damon, Kansas City
OK, so he's not really a center fielder, as his weak throwing arm is better suited to left field, but he did play there before Carlos Beltran came to town. The best thing Damon has going for him is his contract, as unlike some others on the block, he won't be a free agent until after the 2001 season. The Mariners were reportedly interesting before the season started, and a week or so ago the rumor circulated that Damon's agent, the lovable Scott Boras, was trying to work a deal to get his client signed long-term in Seattle. Buyer beware -- Damon is a good, but not great, player with a big reputation, and in an interview last week expressed his disdain for walks.

Left field -- Rondell White, Expos
The writing is on the wall for White, as the Expos called up prospect Milton Bradley (ages four and up) when White went on the DL two weeks ago. When healthy, he's a potent, if impatient, right-handed bat, and his numbers could take off if he gets away from the pitcher's haven that is Olympic Stadium. He's eligible to come off the disabled list Sunday (the day before the deadline), and very well may be dealt immediately upon being activated.

Starting pitcher -- Curt Schilling, Phillies
Rumor has it Schilling short list -- Arizona and both New York teams -- of teams he'll accept a trade to. Other reports have the Cardinals interested, but that story had J.D. Drew heading back to Philadelphia, which doesn't seem bloody likely. Any of those first three teams make sense, particularly the Diamondbacks and Mets, both of whom could really use a starter. If I were Schilling, I'd want to get away from the Phillies' organization as fast as possible regardless of my new team.

Relief pitcher -- John Wetteland, Texas
With Ivan Rodriguez out for the year, is it only a matter of days before the Rangers give up on the 2000 season? Wetteland carries a hefty price tag and hasn't been particularly effective this season, though he has tons of that big game experience general managers love. He's a free agent at the end of the season, and might be just the thing to settle the closer situation in Atlanta once and for all.

Rumors circulating around the Strikethree.com office have Jason Michael Barker heading to Britain's SkyTV baseball coverage team. Tell him why British food will disagree with him at jmb@strikethree.com.

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