November 14, 2004 in Sports

Sosa-to-Mets deal gains momentum

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Associated Press photo

Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa could be smiling in New York if the Mets and Cubs can come to an agreement.
(Full-size photo)

A proposed trade between the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs that would put future Hall of Famer Sammy Sosa in the Shea Stadium outfield is gaining momentum. The Players’ Association appears ready to permit Sosa to negate the part of his contract that has been slowing the deal down.

There is a provision in Sosa’s current deal that would add $18 million to his price tag if he is involved in a trade. But because Sosa wants out of Chicago, and because the additional money is not guaranteed, the union could be prepared to allow Sosa to remove the provision from his deal.

Inquiries to the union have been made by Sosa’s agent, Adam Katz, and not by the Mets, according to a club source.

Another source close to the situation cautioned that the union has not yet signed off on any proposal involving Sosa. “Even if a player would agree to waive such a clause, it would still take approval from a number of other parties,” said the source, referring to the union and the commissioner’s office. “It would be premature to assume these parties would simply sign off.”

If Sosa and Katz can convince the union to allow him to drop the provision – and they might insist he ask for compensation of some sort from either team for facilitating a deal – Mets general manager Omar Minaya would be close to making a big splash with the first major deal of his tenure.

The Daily News reported Thursday that the Mets had serious interest in obtaining Sosa.

Said the club source: “Nothing is imminent here, but getting Sosa at a decent price would be good.”

A Major League Baseball official said the trade has a “better than 50-50 chance of happening.”

The next issue facing the teams is determining what the Cubs would get in return for Sosa. The Mets aren’t likely to add Sosa’s $17 million salary for 2005 and remain within their budget without shedding Cliff Floyd, who is owed $6.5 million the next two seasons, and Mike Piazza, who is owed $15 million.

The Cubs are expected to tell the Mets this week what they would take in return, although they are said to have no interest in Piazza. Minaya talked with Cubs GM Jim Hendry on at least two occasions last week at the general managers’ meetings in Key Biscayne, Fla.

“The Mets won’t make that deal without the Cubs taking Floyd or Piazza,” the official said. “And if the Cubs take only Floyd, the Mets will demand they pick up some of Sosa’s (salary).”

The club source said Minaya is trying to bring a third team – an American League club – into the negotiation with the goal of moving Piazza to a team that would utilize him as a designated hitter.

Another baseball source said the way the Mets handle this negotiation could be a strong indication that the organization has changed its operating philosophy and has given Minaya autonomy. The source said the front office is not unanimous about the pursuit of Sosa.

Blue Jays claim Song off waivers

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed right-hander Seung Song off waivers from the Montreal Expos.

Song went 3-1 with a 4.26 ERA in 13 games for Triple-A Edmonton this past season.

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