| | The hot topic of conversation at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Atlanta is the fallout from the Mike Piazza-Roger Clemens controversy, says ESPN analyst Buck Martinez.
In a chat session shortly before game time, Martinez told ESPN.com chat fans the conflict is all about intent. He also talked about the Sammy Sosa's dilemma, why the Mets and Yankees won't make trades anytime soon and also offered up a prediction on the game and it's MVP.
An edited transcript from Martinez's July 11 chat follows:
| |  | | Intimidation or head hunting? |
Nick: What is going on with Sammy Sosa?
Buck Martinez:
Sounds like he has backed off his trade demands and is prepared to play out his contract in
Chicago.
Andrewe Guenther: Did you like doing triple play 2000-2001?
Buck Martinez:
I enjoy it. The technology is incredible and the advancements we have made is very satisfying.
Overall, it is a great experience.
Jim: Do you think the Phillies will trade Curt Schilling, Andy Ashby, or Ron Gant before the trading deadline?
Buck Martinez:
I don't think they are too anxious to make any deals. Schilling is close to 100 percent and they have
five, young impact players. They are not far from being a contending club.
Matt Fisher: Will Kevin Millwood return to his usual form in the second half?
Buck Martinez:
He will probably have a better second half. The first half was very discouraging. He has had
some success in the past so I think that will help him rebound in the second half of the season.
Adam: Is there any truth to the rumor that the Indians are interested in trading for Juan Gonzalez? Do you think they have a good shot at the wild card if they can get healthy?
Buck Martinez:
There were suggestions from some of the players that he would fill the void if Ramirez leaves.
But I don't think that is echoed by management. I think they want to keep Manny.
Getting Charles Nagy back will be important. They need to get those pitchers back and pitching
consistently. Their offense is OK.
Patrick Lin: What are the St. Louis Cardinal's chances for winning the NL pennant?
Buck Martinez:
Very good. They have a very deep starting rotation. With Fernando Tatis healthy and Jim Edmonds and
Mark McGwire having great years, they have all the ingredients. They have to get Fernando Vina healthy again
but they look like the leading candidates in the NL.
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Martinez, a 17-year Major League catcher, serves as
analyst on ESPN's Wednesday night national telecasts
of Major League Baseball and also makes appearances
as an analyst on Baseball Tonight and Baseball Today. He joined ESPN in
1992. Since 1986, Martinez has been the analyst for the Toronto Blue Jays
on The Sports Network and also does reporting for The Manager's Show
and Sports Desk on TSN. In addition, he is the host of the half-hour special
The Boys of Winter, and Knockout, a half-hour game show.
His radio experience as a color commentator for Telemedia Radio Network (1982-88) includes
the World Series, the American League Championship Series and the All-Star Game. He has also
served as postgame analyst for Telemedia's regular season Major League Baseball coverage.
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G-Man: Are the Marlins really going to go after Charles Johnson, whether it be in trades or free agency?
Buck Martinez:
They are interested in Charles Johnson. They feel he has good feelings about the Marlins, given
his success there before. He would add a lot to a promising young team.
Sports_kid: When you were catching, did you ever talk to the batters, trying to get under their skin?
Buck Martinez:
I talked to a lot of batters. One's that it bothered, I respected that. But it was a good
opportunity to get to know those players.
Nick: Do you think the Mets can catch the Braves and if not, who will they trade for to improve their
team?
Buck Martinez:
I think they can catch the Braves and they're very motivated to do so. I don't think they will make
any big moves. They are looking to improve their team and not cut salary. If they do make a
move, it will be to improve the team.
John: What do you think of the whole Piazza-Clemens situation?
Buck Martinez:
I think the topic of conversation by the players at the All-Star Game has been the intent of
Clemens -- did he try to hit him or intimidate him? There is an invisible line at the neck. Most
players agree you can intimidate below the neck, above is out of bounds.
Yankee Fan: Who do you think will come out of the AL East and why?
Buck Martinez:
I think it will be between the Yankees and Blue Jays. The Jays have the best offense in the
division. They need some improvement out of their young starters in the second half to win.
Andy: When will the Orioles wake up and finally start a youth movement?
Buck Martinez:
They had better do it soon. Three of their key players are free agents -- Bordick, Mussina and
Johnson. One of their promising youngsters is Matos who swings the bat very well.
Big Red Machine: How about the Reds?
Buck Martinez:
I think they will play better in the second half. It takes a awhile for new players to get
Comfortable even if it is Ken Griffey and Dante Bichette. Don't be anxious to write them off just yet.
Mike: Will the Mariners falter in the second half of the season, like they have in the past? Who will
catch them?
Buck Martinez:
No, they won't falter. Somebody might make a run at them. Getting Freddy Garcia back and in
the rotation and getting Dan Wilson back after the break will be huge.
They need to get one big left-handed bat.
Gabe Jackson: Do you think Frank Thomas got snubbed from the All-Star Game?
Buck Martinez:
I think he was a victim of numbers. First base in the AL was very tough for Joe Torre. I'm sure
Frank would have liked to be here, but he has bigger expectations for the second half and
thoughts of the postseason.
Keith in Shelton: Back to Clemens for a second. You said they are debating if there was intent. Well, what's their
answer?
Buck Martinez:
The pitchers say no, the hitters say yes.
Wilmer: Do you feel that the players don't take the All-Star Game seriously?
Buck Martinez:
I think they take it seriously. It is the only game that their skills can really be shown off in a
semi-competitive competition. Unlike other All-Star Games, there is no contact so injury risk is
minimal and they can play all out. Whereas other games, the contact can cause injuries and players tend not to go full speed.
Sodomojo: How many RBIs do you think Edgar Martinez can get at the end of the year? He already has 87
at the All-Star break.
Buck Martinez:
If he stays healthy, he has a shot at 140-150. They have good hitters around him and he is the
best right-handed hitter we have seen in a long time.
Steve Rice: What are you hearing about the Yanks' trading to replace Shane Spencer, and picking up
another starter? Anything "hot?"
Buck Martinez:
No, Joe Torre said he will stick Dave Justice out there and see what he can do. It is a shame
that Spencer is out for the season because he was playing very well.
Here is my prediction for tonight -- I think the American League will win because the NL has
lost some of its key players. But the young players in the AL will shine and I predict Jason
Giambi the MVP.
Thanks for all the questions today. I have to go now and attend other All-Star Game festivities.
Talk with you next week. Take care. | |
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