July 15, 200421 yr Sox Say No On Nomar Deny That Trade With Cubs In Works July 15, 2004 By DAVID HEUSCHKEL, Courant Staff Writer ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Lest anyone forget, the Red Sox were willing to trade Nomar Garciaparra last winter. So it wouldn't be a shocker if reports are accurate the team is once again poised to move him, especially if it's a deal that brings Randy Johnson to Boston. But an American League source said Wednesday the Red Sox are not shopping Garciaparra. Still, the persistent trade rumors concerning Johnson could make the next two weeks uneasy for Garciaparra. The nonwaiver trade deadline is July 31. The New York Times reported Wednesday the Red Sox were contemplating a trade that would send Garciaparra to the Cubs for prospects that would be shipped to Arizona for Johnson. Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein declined comment. The source said Epstein recently told Garciaparra (.327, 4 HRs, 16 RBI) the team isn't planning to trade him. If the Red Sox acquire Johnson, it's unlikely they would re-sign Pedro Martinez. Johnson is under contract through next season. His 2005 salary is $16 million. Whether or not he is part of a deal that sends Johnson to the Red Sox, this is likely Garciaparra's last season in Boston. What began as a season of uncertainty going into the final year of his contract has arguably been his most trying. It started in December shortly after he married soccer player Mia Hamm. Dismayed by reports the Red Sox were pursuing Alex Rodriguez, Garciaparra interrupted his honeymoon by phoning media outlets to insist he wants to stay in Boston. That didn't stop the Red Sox from continuing to go after Rodriguez, further straining the team's relationship with Garciaparra. When he reported to spring training, Garciaparra said his feelings were hurt by the trade talk. It didn't help that his contract situation was unresolved. Garciaparra's health became an issue in spring training when he sustained an Achilles' tendon injury in early March that forced him to start the season on the disabled list. The injury, described by the team as mild tendinitis, was worse than initially thought. When he returned after missing more than two months, Garciaparra was dropped from third to fifth in the batting order. He said he didn't care where he batted. What he did take exception to was a theory that his injury, contract and relationship with the team were all linked. Garciaparra was furious when told it was suggested by some he took his time coming back as a way to get back at the team for trying to trade him last winter. "If I was taking my time I'd see you in August," Garciaparra said June 9, his first day back. He also pointed out he had only 21 at-bats in his minor league rehabilitation assignment, which began May 30. Garciaparra got off to a slow start, hitting .235 in his first 17 games, and made a rash of errors. His popularity may have never been lower than two weeks ago. Garciaparra, unable to play because of soreness in his Achilles' tendon, was criticized for allegedly asking out of the lineup against the Yankees in a 5-4 loss in 13 innings. The situation was magnified when Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter went headfirst into the stands after making a running catch. Last weekend, Garciaparra may have reignited his feud with the media by refusing to answer questions. He walked to the center of the clubhouse, commented briefly about the game and said, "That's all I got to say. See ya, guys."
July 16, 200421 yr Out of curiosity, with Art Tellum as Frank and Nomar's agent, does anyone think we could make a run at Nomar once he becomes a FA and Maggs signs else where?
July 16, 200421 yr Out of curiosity, with Art Tellum as Frank and Nomar's agent, does anyone think we could make a run at Nomar once he becomes a FA and Maggs signs else where? I don't think Arn will be Nomar's agent after this year... Just a hunch..
July 16, 200421 yr I don't think Arn will be Nomar's agent after this year... Just a hunch.. Interesting... and sorry about the wrong name. I don't know why I thought it was Art
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