Series-Ous Trade Talk Involves O’S, Indians

Baltimore is interested in making a trade with Cleveland - a May series for a September series. The Indians aren’t interested.

Baltimore wants assurance that shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. would be playing at home if he breaks Lou Gehrig’s record for consecutive games played.

If things go as scheduled, Ripken would break the record Sept. 6 at Camden Yards during the final game of a series against California. The Orioles then go to Cleveland for a weekend series.

A rainout not made up before Sept. 6 would mean Ripken’s chance to break Lou Gehrig’s record would occur at Jacobs Field. That’s why the Orioles want to swap with the Indians, a three-game series at Baltimore on May 12-14 for the three games in Cleveland on Sept. 8-10.

Signing, trading tapers

The steady stream of free-agent signings and trades slowed, leaving the likes of Mickey Tettleton, Benito Santiago and Tim Belcher wondering how much money is left in the market for them.

There were only a few moves, none involving stars. Boston signed Stan Belinda and Reggie Jefferson, the Chicago Cubs got pitcher Jaime Navarro, San Francisco got outfielder Glenallen Hill and Colorado signed pitcher Omar Olivares.

Top dog by default

Terry Mulholland may soon be the No. 1 starter for the San Francisco Giants.

His return to the Giants, with whom he debuted in 1986, came only after San Francisco failed to sign free agent Orel Hershiser and only after Mulholland agreed to a pay cut of up to $2.1 million this year.

Mulholland or Mark Portugal will probably become the No. 1 starter this season for the Giants, who traded away John Burkett in a cost-cutting move and did not re-sign free agent Billy Swift.

Hurst hurt no more

Former Boston pitcher Bruce Hurst, who retired last season after struggling in his attempt to come back from shoulder surgery, has tried out for the Red Sox.

Hurst spent most of ‘93 in rehabilitation, then went 2-1 with a 7.11 ERA in eight starts last year before retiring.

Hurst also talked to former teammate Roger Clemens.

General manager Dan Duquette said the Red Sox will decide later in the week whether to invite Hurst to camp.

The winners, please

Players and owners combined to lose about $1 billion, but the labor dispute didn’t drag everyone down with it. A few winners:

1. Gene Budig. The AL president never had to announce his Cal Ripken call and ensure a lifetime of second-guessing.

2. Sparky Anderson. By building publicrelations support, the ultimate strategist managed to return as a hero to work for a front office that never wanted him.

3. Peter Angelos. Maybe next time they’ll listen to him. Doubt it.

4. Ryne Sandberg. Retired just in time to avoid the messiness.

Diamond dust

Monday through Saturday, 447 names appeared in the transactions column… . Deion Sanders, who left the Boyz 2 Men tour behind to join his baseball friends, arrived in sleepy Plant City in his Lamborghini Diablo and also has ordered a Lincoln Town Car and classic ‘64 Chevy Impala for the three-week stay… .

Even after trading the heart of his team to save money, Montreal general manager Kevin Malone says the Expos are the team to beat.

“In my opinion, we’re the best team in baseball until someone proves otherwise,” Malone.