Moderator

  (2:22 PM)

Hey everybody, Peter will be joining us at 2:30 ET today. Send in those questions. See you in a few minutes!

Peter Gammons

  (2:31 PM)

Let's get going!

Marty (Cambridge, MA)

I just read your column on Randy Johnson and agree that his going to the Yankees would be atrocious for baseball. With the Yankees spending this year (not to mention the Sox and Angels throwing money around to catch them), do you think baseball will ever wise up and institute a salary cap to prevent the ML all star teams from playing together all year in pinstripes? Also, why is Colangelo so focused on trading RJ?

Peter Gammons

  (2:33 PM)

First, I dont think there will ever be a salary cap in baseball without at least a one year strike. Second, Colangelo wants to keep Johnson, Randy is the one who expressed interest in being traded SPECIFICALLY to the Yankees or Cardinals. If the Yankees had players to trade, it wouldn't seem so agregious -- but they do not.

Tiffany (Bangor, Maine)

Peter, Randy Johnson's agent is now reporting that he will likely stay put, also saying that there was never any "list" of teams that Randy wanted to go to. Where do media hounds get your (mis)information?

Peter Gammons

  (2:34 PM)

There never was a list of five teams. The D'Backs called more teams than that to get a working list of who might be interested. What Randy's agent told teams was that he wanted to go to a team he KNEW would make the playoffs if he were traded. The Yankees and the Cardinals fufilled those qualifications. He has not ruled out the Angels, but the Red Sox have received indications that he would not be interested in moving to Boston.

Mike Phoenix

Peter, is the impending "Unit" status keeping the BoSox from making any other potential moves until they find out where he is going? (i.e keeping him away from N.Y.) Are they looking at any other possible moves?

Peter Gammons

  (2:36 PM)

They've been exploring a lot of situations, they have monitored Carlos Beltran in case the Astros decide to dump on August 31. They are looking at several middle relievers and swing-men as they have so little pep between their five man rotation and their bullpen.

Kevin O'Donnell, Danvers MA

Peter, What do you make of the Manny Ramirez-Terry Francona situation in Boston? Manny's apparantly ok to DH, yet Francona has opted to sit him until he's able to play in left field. Is this a message Francona's trying to send?

Peter Gammons

  (2:37 PM)

I think it is, Kevin. But remember, when Manny hurt his hamstring his last year in Cleveland -- he missed 49 games (!) and took a lot of heat. ... Joe Torre asked about Manny's status for the All-Star game and was told he was fine to play. There are certainly missing pieces here that none of us entirely know or understand.

Jonathan (NYC

If the Yankees can't pry Randy Johnson from the D-Backs, do you think the next best deal might be obtaining a Moyer-Guardardo package from the Mariners as that would fill two needs? Guardardo might be more valuable to the Yankees than the Big Unit as they then would have an even better bullpen than in 1996.

Peter Gammons

  (2:38 PM)

It would help, but as of this weekend, the Mariners have told other teams that they are NOT interested in trading Jamie Moyer. Taht could change on July 31, but for now, he's NOT on the market.

Gary: Memphis, Tn.

is it too soon to compare the 04 Cards to the 75 Big Red Machine?

Peter Gammons

  (2:39 PM)

Probably. The Hall of Fame ballots haven't been counted for Pujols, Rolen, Renteria or Edmonds. But seriously, the Cardinals have by far the best position players in the National League.

Jason (NY)

How is Prior going to be handled here on out? I assume with kid gloves, though Dusty Baker seems to prefer Brillo gloves. Any thoughts?

Peter Gammons

  (2:41 PM)

He threw on the side yesterday and how he feels today will determine whether or not he makes his next start. The Cubs INSIST this is not serious. It has, however, lingered, so it will take some time to prove that Prior is in fact healthy.

Notter Philly

Good Afternoon Peter, I heard a rumor around town today about a possible trade involving Nomar and D Lowe to the Phillies for Millwood and Rollins. Any truth, and if not what do you think may happen on the phillies front.

Peter Gammons

  (2:42 PM)

I would say there is very little chance of THAT happening. The Sox have no interest in Millwood, he was offered for Lowe a month ago. The Phillies probably will end up with at least one relief pitcher.

Matt--Kent Ohio

the Indians are still hovering around .500 still and they are deciding in the next few weeks what moves(if any) they can make to catch the Sox and Twins. You think they have what it takes to make a run, and if so, what should they go out looking for before the trading deadline?

Peter Gammons

  (2:44 PM)

The most important thing is to have Bob Wickman, then they need David Risky to be consistent. From that point, they need to go out and find themselves a good left handed reliever and maybe another set-up man. They will bring up Grady Sizemore very soon. ... Considering the direction they are headed, they will not trade away young players this season.

Coleman (Braintree)

How long do you think they'll suspend David Ortiz?

Peter Gammons

  (2:45 PM)

My guess is five games and have the suspension reduced to three. They should suspend that umpiring crew for two months after watching three games of incompetence.

Peter Gammons

  (2:46 PM)

Mike Sociacia should demand that the entire crew be optioned to Triple A for his ejection.

Sandy (Tulsa)

It is so frustrating watching Josh Beckett, Peter. Do you have any good news on his injury situation. My Fish need him! (oh, and a set up man!)

Peter Gammons

  (2:47 PM)

I agree, actually, they need TWO set-up men. There is no way of predicting whether or not Josh's finger will get healthy. We root for him, but this is something that has lingered for years without any lasting answer.

Sean: Humboldt, CA.

What moves will the Giants make to bolster their pitching staff and bench? Also, what is going on with Rick Ankiel?

Peter Gammons

  (2:49 PM)

The Giants are trying to make a couple of deals to strengthen their bullpen and find a bat. Thus far, they have had NO success BUT, Brian Sabean will come up with at least two trades by the end of the month.

Pete (Sussex, WI)

I heard the A's are shopping Zito and looking for a 2nd baseman. Any chance of a Spivey (Brewers) and Kolb for Zito trade?

Peter Gammons

  (2:50 PM)

No chance in that trade. The As dabbled in the market on Zito, but are going to keep him for the rest of the season.

Jason (White Plains, NY)

Why haven't any teams taken a flier on John Olerud yet?

Peter Gammons

  (2:51 PM)

I think given another week, someone will look at him as a great defensive first baseman and a pinch hitter ... but I don't think he is going to get a guaranteed-everyday-job.

Chuck Tempe

Anything new regarding Steve Finley?

Peter Gammons

  (2:52 PM)

Nope. The Padres and Rangers would like to get him, but thus far, the D'Backs haven't had the right offer. They want to make sure that he can come back to Arizona next season.

Roger (Houston, TX)

What are my Astros gonna do? If they are still 10+ out at the deadline they HAVE to deal Beltran right? Probably ship Kent too (god willing)?

Peter Gammons

  (2:54 PM)

I think they will trade Beltran. They have to get a young catcher back in the deal. Keep your eye on Boston b/c of Kelly Shoppach who went to McClean's alma mater -- that is, Baylor. He has to OK any trade ... and I wouldn't hold my breath.

david (tallahassee, fl)

are the Mets still shopping Ty Wiggington for pitching, or has that cooled off? are you getting pearl jam's new release next week?

Peter Gammons

  (2:56 PM)

I will get Pearl Jam's new realease this week, as for Ty, they would like to NOT trade him. He can play first, second, third and BOTH corner outfield positions. IF that's the ONLY way they can get Kris Benson, they might HAVE to do it, but right now they are trying to get him with other trade prospects.

Peter Gammons

  (2:57 PM)

Ok everybody, my time is up, I've got to run, but thanks for all these great questions today. We'll do this again in two weeks. Thanks again. Take care! -Peter

Moderator

  (3:01 PM)

Thanks everybody, we'll see you August 2 for Peter's next chat!