On Baseball: Who will be buying and selling?
Angels. "They're the best team in the division by a ways," an AL scout said. "They're just waiting to get healthy. They probably don't need to make a deal. Once they get their bullets back, I think they'll run away with it."
Mariners. Many baseball people believe that the M's have overachieved and don't have the offense or depth to stay in the race. They need a bat to keep hope alive. If rebuilding is their goal, they have pitching chips, led by Washburn and Erik Bedard. Bedard's trade viability will be dictated by his health. He has been on the DL with a shoulder injury and could return next weekend. Mariners scouts have been monitoring the Phillies' minor-league system, so watch this club.
Athletics. They have the best available bat in Holliday. Will they trade him for prospects? Or will they keep him, offer him arbitration, and try to recoup draft picks when he becomes a free agent? "I think they'll hang on to him and get the picks," one executive said. "He could cost $16 million in arbitration, but he'll reject it. He doesn't want to be there."
Contact staff writer Jim Salisbury
at 215-854-4983





