MLB Trade Clock Ticking
July 31 -- The Chicago Cubs got an early start as baseball’s trade deadlineapproached, closing a deal for Montreal outfielder Rondell Whiteand sending outfielder Henry Rodriguez to Florida.
The St. Louis Cardinals also were busy today, getting catcherCarlos Hernandez for reliever Heathcliff Slocumb.
Other teams were working, too, to make moves before the 4 p.m.EDT deadline. Any trades made after that point require waivers,always a tricky proposition.
On Sunday, outfielder Ron Gant was traded from Philadelphia toAnaheim. In a pair of deals involving relievers, Jason Christiansenmoved from Pittsburgh to St. Louis and Doug Henry went from Houstonto San Francisco.
The Expos traded White to the Cubs for left-hander Scott Downs.The deal had been set on Sunday, contingent on Chicago being ableto sign the outfielder, who has been on the disabled list, to amulti-year contract extension.
“Yeah, there’s something on the table, but if it’s not right,I’m not going to sign with the Cubs,” White said after Montreallost to Cincinnati 7-4.
White Hot Prospect
White’s name had been prominently mentioned in trade talks. TheNew York Yankees, Seattle, Atlanta and Milwaukee had beeninterested, but may have backed off because of his history ofinjuries.
“I’ve known from the get-go that they were trying to trademe,” White said.
Chicago Abuzz with Trade News
About an hour after that deal was announced, the Cubs tradedRodriguez to Florida for minor league prospects Ross Gload, a firstbaseman-outfielder, and Dave Noyce, a pitcher.
In 76 games this season, Rodriguez batted .251 for 18 homers and51 RBIs. Over his final 19 games for Chicago, Rodriguez had sixhomers and 19 RBIs.
The NL Central-leading Cardinals, having acquired Christiansenand reliever Mike Timlin during the weekend, filled another need byacquiring Hernandez.
“We had three primary concerns to address before the tradingdeadline,” St. Louis general manager Walt Jocketty said. “We feelwith today’s addition of Hernandez, we have accomplished what weset out to do — improve the bullpen and add a quality catcher.”
