Advertisement

Cubs and White Sox Are in Market for Players

Share
United Press International

Like a couple of cowboys who aim to ride into town to stir things up, the head men of Chicago’s baseball teams are poised for some rustling at the winter meetings in San Diego in December.

Their names even sound like something out of one of those “grade B” westerns--Dallas Green and Hawk Harrelson.

Green is the head of the Chicago Cubs while Harrelson is the new No. 1 man for the rival Chicago White Sox.

Advertisement

Both have made it clear they don’t plan to come away empty when the winter meetings are over and trade talks are done. Both have similar problems with some players holding large contracts and a shortage of promising farmhands to deal for established players.

“We’re willing to make some trades for the right people and the right circumstances,” says Green, who traded his way to a Cubs’ division crown in 1984.

Harrelson doesn’t want to give away the ranch but plans to be active in dealing for the Sox.

“We’ve been on the phone since I took this job,” says Harrelson, who took over in the fall after several years as a White Sox broadcaster.

The two teams might even do what used to be the unthinkable in Chicago--make a deal with one another.

“I’m not averse to it if we can both help each other,” Green says.

Both Green and Harrelson can be imposing presences. Both are well over 6-feet and seldom shy away from a good debate--or debate over a trade.

Advertisement

Green has said there are only three untouchables on his club--1984 MVP Ryne Sandberg, Lee Smith and Rick Sutcliffe. There are others in a near untouchable category, including outfielder Keith Moreland, catcher Jody Davis and outfielder Bobby Dernier.

But Green, who made several multiplayer deals with the Phillies when he came aboard four years ago, likes to make a big splash with a deal if he thinks it can help his club.

Principal needs for the Cubs? Third base remains a question mark where aging Ron Cey had an off-year in 1985. His contractual provisions make it difficult to deal the 37-year old Cey, but the Cubs are unlikely to sit through another unproductive season.

The injuries the Cubs had to their pitching staff in 1985 proved Chicago cannot have enough quality pitching. Green went to great lengths to re-sign free agent pitcher Scott Sanderson which may reduce his need to acquire a hurler in California.

“But you just don’t walk in and pick up a quality starter, unless of course you are willing to give up a lot in return,” Green says.

The bullpen may be an area where Green acts first. Smith had an “off” year despite a high save total and the club’s middle relief was nothing short of dismal.

Advertisement

While the Cubs were expected to repeat, the Sox were a question mark in 1985. The questions led to the demotion of General Manager Roland Hemond and the appointment of Harrelson.

“We’re going to do some talking and some listening,” Harrelson says.

Harrelson doesn’t plan to set up a table at the winter meetings and put up an “open for business” sign like former White Sox president Bill Veeck did nearly a decade ago. But he realizes he has some holes he’d like to see filled.

“We don’t have to make some big trades to be competitive,” he warns. “If the deal is right, we’re not going to be shy.”

The Sox appear set at first and shortstop with Greg Walker and Ozzie Guillen. Right fielder Harold Baines is an All-Star. Ron Kittle can either DH or play left.

There are question marks all over the place after that.

The White Sox need a third baseman (would they risk trading for Cey?) now that Luis Salazar is down with a knee injury.

Catching may be a problem if Carlton Fisk leaves. If he stays, Harrelson wants him to play left, anyway.

Advertisement

Rudy Law’s days in center field may be numbered and the Sox were unhappy with the production of Julio Cruz at second. Like Cey, Cruz’ contract may scare off other teams.

The Sox exercised their option to keep both Britt Burns and Tom Seaver, their top two pitchers from last year. Richard Dotson is questionable after arm trouble. Like the Cubs’ Smith, Bob James had a big save year but the rest of the bullpen was mediocre.

Harrelson may want to make a name for himself right off the bat and make more deals. Green has already proved himself but is still smarting from the Cubs’ near miss in 1984 and believes he is possibly one trade--and a healthy pitching staff--away from the 1986 World Series.

Advertisement