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Hampton considers a trade to Marlins

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Mike Hampton will rethink blocking a proposed six-player deal that would send him from Colorado to the Marlins, the pitcher's agent said.

The Marlins and Rockies agreed Wednesday to a tentative trade that would move Hampton and outfielder Juan Pierre to the Marlins for catcher Charles Johnson, outfielder Preston Wilson, left-hander Vic Darensbourg and infielder Pablo Ozuna.

Hampton and Johnson have no-trade clauses and have until midday Saturday to decide whether to waive them. Before the deal was agreed to by the teams, Hampton said he would block it.

"It was probably premature," Hampton's agent, Mark Rodgers, said Thursday. "We owe it to the Marlins to at least let them make their best sales pitch to Mike. I think they'll have that opportunity."

Hampton, a 30-year-old left-hander from Crystal River, was 7-15 with a 6.15 ERA this season -- the worst in the majors among those who qualified for the ERA title.

Rays talking deals

The general managers meetings ended in Tucson, Ariz., but the Devil Rays aren't through talking.

"We have an idea of teams we think there's a fit with," Tampa Bay GM Chuck LaMar said. "In some cases, we've exchanged some names on whom we have interest in, and they've exchanged names as well. Those discussions will continue and may lead to a trade before the winter meetings (next month)."

Much of the interest from other teams, LaMar said, focused on the five arbitration-eligible players: pitchers Tanyon Sturtze, Paul Wilson, Ryan Rupe, Esteban Yan and first baseman Steve Cox.

"Any time we have a chance to get younger and build for the future and move a possible high-salary player for what we think is a competitive low-salary player, we'll entertain that."

NL GOLD GLOVES: The Cardinals dominated the awards with four selections: centerfielder Jim Edmonds, shortstop Edgar Renteria, second baseman Fernando Vina and third baseman Scott Rolen. Complete list, 11C.

EXPOS IN PUERTO RICO: Owners are close to approving a plan to have the Expos play 20 games in Puerto Rico next season.

ATTACKER SENTENCED: A 15-year-old boy who attacked Royals coach Tom Gamboa during a White Sox game at Comiskey Park was sentenced to five years of probation. The teen was ordered to have mandatory counseling and perform 30 hours of community service.

BONDS LEADS U.S.: Barry Bonds hit a sixth-inning grand slam to lead a team of major-league all-stars to a 6-5 victory over their counterparts from Japan in Sapporo, Japan.

CUBS: The Cubs probably can reach a deal with manager Dusty Baker if they "dip into their pockets a little deeper," agent Jeff Moorad said. "In fairness, the last issues are generally the dollars and cents and that is what we are addressing right now." The sides are discussing a four-year deal that could be worth $14-million to $16-million.

RANGERS: Outfielder Rusty Greer is scheduled for the first of at least four offseason operations next week that likely will force him to miss the 2003 season.

ROYALS: Owner David Glass said the payroll will be trimmed by about $10-million to $37-million for 2003.

WHITE SOX: First baseman Paul Konerko agreed to a $23-million, three-year contract. Also, outfielder Aaron Rowand had successful surgery for injuries in an off-road dirt bike accident this month. Rowand broke two ribs and his left shoulder blade.

YANKEES: Pitcher Andy Pettitte's $11.5-million option was exercised.

-- Times staff writer Kevin Kelly contributed to this report.

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