The Great Glavine Chase moved into high gear last night and this time around, Mike Hampton may actually help the Mets get the lefty they desperately need.
Hampton, the ex-Met who learned the grass is not greener in Denver, was dealt to the Marlins from the Rockies last night in a wild six-player deal. That was just a stopover, however, because the Marlins were in the process of trading him to the Braves, according to several industry sources.
That opens the door for the Mets to sign free agent Tom Glavine. The Braves, though, have not closed the door on Glavine and have upped their original offer for the classy lefty from a one-year deal to a two-year deal with an option, according to sources.
The Mets have offered Glavine a three-year deal at $31 million. Glavine, 36, wants to pitch four more years and is looking for that length in a final contract.
Even if the Braves get Hampton, they will make a push for either Greg Maddux or Glavine, hoping to land one of the two and letting the other ace move on.
Florida catcher Charles Johnson initially invoked his no-trade clause yesterday, stopping Hampton’s trade to the Marlins. Johnson later reversed his field when a financial arrangement was made to allow him to pick up another million bucks, according to the Associated Press, to make up for the fact that Colorado has a state income tax while Florida does not.
“We got some tax elements taken care of in the transfer, so the monetary element would remain the same in Colorado,” Johnson’s agent Scott Boras told the AP. “My understanding is that this was the final step.”
The Rockies-Marlins deal has to get the official stamp of commissioner Bud Selig because so much money was involved in the trade. The deal also is pending the six players passing their physicals. In addition to Hampton going to the Marlins and Johnson heading to Denver, centerfielder Preston Wilson, left-handed reliever Vic Darensbourg and second baseman Pablo Ozuna would go to the Rockies while outfielder Juan Pierre would be shipped to Florida.
Hampton signed an eight-year, $121 million contract with the Rockies and has six years and $84.5 million left on the deal. However, the Rockies and Marlins are willing to eat a major portion of the contract. If Hampton is sent along to the Braves, Atlanta, according to sources, would be responsible for $50 million, not $84.5 million.
Glavine has been with the Braves organization since signing as a second-round pick in 1984. He must be wondering why the Braves are willing to shell out $50 million for Hampton. All that should help the Mets. Glavine was extremely impressed with Mets owner Fred Wilpon and that could tip the scales in their favor. Glavine is due to meet face-to-face with the Mets on Thursday when he comes to town. Later that day he will travel to Philadelphia to meet with the Phillies. The Phils have offered Glavine three years at about $28 million.
The Mets also are trying to unload Rey Ordonez and have talked to the Rockies about a deal that would send Ordonez and Jeromy Burnitz to Colorado for left-hander Denny Neagle.
JAYS GET LIDLE: The Athletics traded right-handed pitcher and No. 4 starter Cory Lidle to the Blue Jays last night two minor leaguers – infielder Mike Rouse and right-handed pitcher Chris Mowday.
Lidle, who will make $4.8 million next season, won 21 games over his two years in Oakland.
YANKS INK DEAL: The Yankees signed an agreement yesterday that will establish scouting and marketing ties with the Yomiuri Giants, Japan’s most popular and successful team.
Japanese free-agent slugger Hideki Matsui is on George Steinbrenner‘s wish list, but GM Brian Cashman denied any link between the agreement and the possible signing of the former Yomiuri star.
“The sole purpose of this agreement is to form a working relationship,” Cashman said. “We’re both smart enough to recognize we can learn a great deal from each other.”
BERNIE STARS: Behind the hitting of Bernie Williams and Barry Bonds, the major leaguers beat Japan 12-7 yesterday in Tokyo for their third straight victory to even the exhibition series entering a final Game 7.
Williams had a solo homer and drove in three runs.– With wire reports
