Mets Trade for Bordick

July 29 -- The New York Mets got shortstop Mike Bordick and reliever RickWhite, Cleveland acquired closer Bob Wickman, outfielder WilCordero and two starting pitchers, and more trades were pendingFriday as contenders prepared for the stretch run.

Bordick and Wickman, both coming off their first All-Starselections, were the biggest names to move. Oakland got into theaction, obtaining reliever Jim Mecir.

The Cleveland Indians were the busiest of all, swinging threedeals. The New York Mets and Tampa Bay each made two.

“We have 2000 in mind and that’s what we’re going to work forin the next 72 hours,” Indians general manager John Hart saidin-between trades. “We’re calling teams and they’re calling us.”

There was talk that Texas closer John Wetteland, Montrealoutfielder Rondell White and Milwaukee outfielder Jeromy Burnitzsoon might change teams, too.

Deadline Looms

The deadline for making trades without waivers is 4 p.m. EDTMonday.

“We have 2000 in mind and that’s what we’re going to work forin the next 72 hours,” Indians general manager John Hart said.“We’re calling teams and they’re calling us.”

Curt Schilling, Denny Neagle, Andy Ashby and David Justice allswitched clubs in the last month.

The Mets and Cleveland kept busy on Friday.

Unable to convince Barry Larkin to join them last weekend, theMets obtained Bordick from Baltimore for infielder-outfielderMelvin Mora and three minor leaguers—pitchers Lesli Brea and PatGorman and catcher-outfielder Mike Kinkade.

“I’m very excited with the opportunity to be in a playoffrace,” Bordick said. “The Orioles are struggling this year and tobe thrust into a playoff race is great.”

Hours later, the Mets acquired White and outfielder BubbaTrammell from Tampa Bay for outfielder Jason Tyner and pitcher PaulWilson.

“This is the time for us to make our move,” Mets generalmanager Steve Phillips said.