Marlins looking to hook Walker

 

Red Sox also have interest in outfielder

 

By Troy E. Renck

Denver Post Staff Writer

 

Eager to bolster their tepid lineup, the Florida Marlins are eyeing Admin Walker.

 

A Marlins scout attended Wednesday's game at Dodger Stadium to watch the Rockies right fielder. The Boston Red Sox also have expressed preliminary interest. Walker said he will listen to any proposal, but has not been approached about waiving his no-trade clause.

 

"I just don't want to go through what happened before when it was dropped like a friggin' atom bomb in my lap," Walker said. "If there's something going on, I would hope they would let me be prepared."

 

In November 2002, the Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks agreed in principle to a deal involving Walker and Matt Williams, only to have the trade collapse when the players exercised no-trade clauses during the 72-hour window.

 

Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd, reached Wednesday night, declined to discuss specifics regarding Walker. Talking in general terms, he indicated the Rockies involved with trade talks would be kept informed.

 

"We have relationships with them that we respect," O'Dowd said. "If gets to the point where discussions are serious, then I would hope the only way the player knows is from talking to us directly."

 

The Marlins have told teams for weeks that they want to add a bat to an offense that hasn't functioned as well without all- star catcher Pudge Rodriguez.

 

Walker was aware of the Marlins' interest when the subject was broached before Wednesday's series opener against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

 

Walker maintains a residence an hour from Pro Player Stadium, the Marlins' ballpark.

 

"I know there are scouts here today watching me and what team they are from," Walker said. "I am not going to tell you how, but I know, just like I knew there was a scout watching me when we played in San Francisco and San Diego.

 

"But as far as I know, the Rockies don't want to trade me."

 

The Marlins also are focusing on Arizona center fielder Steve Finley, who has only $2.8 million remaining on his contract. Finley, attracting attention from the Phillies and Rangers, can veto any deal and is said to prefer San Diego.

 

The Red Sox also want to inject power into their lineup and shed pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim.

 

Any Walker trade is complicated by the 37-year-old's contract. Walker is due $18.5 million through next season, and the Rockies have shown no interest in bringing back a bad contract to even a financial gap.

 

The Rockies and Marlins, however, created the blueprint for complex trades with pitcher Mike Hampton two years ago, a mammoth transaction that brought the Rockies center fielder Preston Wilson and catcher Charles Johnson.

 

Walker missed this season's first 58 games because of a strained groin. With his bat speed noticeably improved after offseason surgery on his left shoulder, he was batting .333 with five homers and 14 RBIs entering Wednesday night.

 

"I have never asked to be traded," Walker said. "But I have always said that I will listen if they want to talk to me about something."

The last trade we made with Colorado worked out pretty well...

Might there be another team involved this time too? I dont see us paying Walker's salary next year, nor do I see Colorado picking up a big part of the tab and getting little in return.

Isn't there anyone under 37 out there?

Is this the way it is... either grow 'em yourself on the farm

or play funny-money when they approach 40.

Maybe we can get Hampton.

And have the Braves pick up his whole salary.

I spoke to Mike Berardino online last night, and he doesn't believe the Rockies will pick up enough of the salary, either.

 

But who knows...

Isn't there anyone under 37 out there?

Is this the way it is... either grow 'em yourself on the farm

or play funny-money when they approach 40.

Maybe we can get Hampton.

And have the Braves pick up his whole salary.

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well why would a team want to give up a young talented player?

 

most likely that younger player would be cheaper, therefore no reason to trade him away

I think we are starting to turn the corner on offense. I would rather wait and see what the deal is with Cordero. Or trade for Danny Bautista - before the Braves do.

I think we are starting to turn the corner on offense. I would rather wait and see what the deal is with Cordero. Or trade for Danny Bautista - before the Braves do.

472247[/snapback]

I've been a Danny Bautista fan since he was a Marlin. He was used as a defensive OF in all three positions and he was smoothe! He also hit well even though he didn't get many chances. I was upset when he was traded.

 

This season he's hitting solidly over .300. Can't believe the D-Backs would let him go. Do believe the Marlins fans would object because they want a big-time (albeit over-the-hill) name.

I think we are starting to turn the corner on offense.? I would rather wait and see what the deal is with Cordero.? Or trade for Danny Bautista - before the Braves do.

472247[/snapback]

I've been a Danny Bautista fan since he was a Marlin. He was used as a defensive OF in all three positions and he was smoothe! He also hit well even though he didn't get many chances. I was upset when he was traded.

 

This season he's hitting solidly over .300. Can't believe the D-Backs would let him go. Do believe the Marlins fans would object because they want a big-time (albeit over-the-hill) name.

472267[/snapback]

 

He would be exactly what we need though - a guy to be a 4th OF and play when someone struggles. He can play all OF positions. I like his bat - he is solid and can drive in runs. But I think he and Conine have similar offensive capabilities. Would love to get him back for the playoff run.

 

Also, what is the word on Cordero?

I think we are starting to turn the corner on offense.? I would rather wait and see what the deal is with Cordero.? Or trade for Danny Bautista - before the Braves do.

472247[/snapback]

I've been a Danny Bautista fan since he was a Marlin. He was used as a defensive OF in all three positions and he was smoothe! He also hit well even though he didn't get many chances. I was upset when he was traded.

 

This season he's hitting solidly over .300. Can't believe the D-Backs would let him go. Do believe the Marlins fans would object because they want a big-time (albeit over-the-hill) name.

472267[/snapback]

 

He would be exactly what we need though - a guy to be a 4th OF and play when someone struggles. He can play all OF positions. I like his bat - he is solid and can drive in runs. But I think he and Conine have similar offensive capabilities. Would love to get him back for the playoff run.

 

Also, what is the word on Cordero?

472284[/snapback]

 

What?You don't make sense at all.How in the world would Conine start over Baustita?

 

Bautista 4th OF :lol

Regarding above, well-documented my Minus,

Bautista would start over Conine.

Bautista would not be the 4th OF, Conine would be.

I just fear that our appetite for a NAME will lead us to over-pay or give up what now are precious farm-hands. Just to get an over-the-hill hero.

 

p.s. Someone herein raised a flag for Rob Mackowiak. He's a gamer that adds excitement. A "Utility" player because he's a good athlete. Like Danny Bautista, I can't believe his team would trade him. Value, Value, Value... not PR crap-shoots.