|
|
|
|
|
|
Vina Trade Hits Another Roadblock
By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel Staff
March 21, 1999
Phoenix -- It seems as if every time the Milwaukee Brewers are close to trading Fernando Vina for a pitcher, something happens beyond their control to stop it. Just when it appeared the St. Louis Cardinals were ready to deal either Manny Aybar or Jose Jimenez for Vina, No. 1 starter Matt Morris went down with an elbow injury. With Morris out indefinitely, the Cardinals are reluctant to trade a starting pitcher.
"There's no way we could trade a young pitcher right now," St. Louis general manager Walt Jocketty said.
Brewers general manager Sal Bando said he wasn't sure if a potential deal was dead at this point, but did admit the Cardinals seemed hesitant to part with Aybar or Jimenez, two young right-handers.
"They haven't told me they have (called it off)," Bando said. "But I understand my needs conflict with their situation. I have a feel right now that nothing's close."
St. Louis remains interested in Vina, who returned to the Brewers' lineup Sunday after resting a sore knee for five days. Cardinals scout Joe Sparks was on hand to watch the Brewers play Seattle, but Sparks is the club's advance scout and was here anyway because Milwaukee opens the season in St. Louis.
"Right now, I'm not sure if we can give up any pitching," Sparks said. "We have interest (in Vina), but I'm not sure if we can trade a pitcher right now because things have changed a little bit."
Vina, who first began hearing trade rumors in late October, has lost most of his patience with the situation.
"I'd like this to be over with," he said. "They've still got a guy here watching me, so it must not be completely dead."
St. Louis is exploring the possibility of adding a pitcher such as Kevin Appier or Orel Hershisher, which could ease their fear of dealing one for Vina. Whatever happens from this point, according to Bando, is completely up to the Cardinals.
"They know where we're coming from and I know their situation," Bando said. "Nothing's stopping them from getting another pitcher. That could change things.
"It's pretty much in their court now. We've told them who we're interested in. They have to see where everything's at. We'll just wait and see."
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
|
| |
