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© St. Petersburg Times, published November 23, 2002
PHOENIX -- The tentative trade to send Larry Walker from the Rockies to the Diamondbacks for Matt Williams and three others fell through Friday.
The teams ceased talks after Williams vetoed the trade to remain with his family and the Diamondbacks failed to reach a financial agreement with Walker.
"Being there for my kids is everything in my life," Williams said. "This responsibility outweighs anything in my baseball career."
Walker and Williams had to approve the deal because both have no-trade clauses.
Williams turned down the trade because he has full custody of his three children.
Walker balked at the Diamondbacks' request that he defer a portion of the $25-million he is due for 2004 and 2005.
"We never got past that issue," said Walker's agent, Pat Rooney. "Larry just didn't want to alter his contract."
The trade also would have sent outfielder David Dellucci, first baseman Erubiel Durazo and reliever Bret Prinz to the Rockies.
ANGELS: Rightfielder Tim Salmon won the 2002 Hutch Award, given to a player who displays "honor, courage and dedication to baseball while overcoming adversity in their personal or professional lives."
ASTROS: Rightfielder Richard Hidalgo was shot in the left forearm during a carjacking in Venezuela but was out of the hospital, the Houston Chronicle reported.
CUBS: The team is closing in on a deal that would allow it to expand Wrigley Field while making it a landmark. Team president Andy MacPhail and executive vice president Mark McGuire said during a radio broadcast the plan would protect key architectural features, including the centerfield scoreboard, marquee and ivy-covered walls. In exchange, the Cubs -- who don't want landmark protection -- would get to renovate and expand the bleachers.
INDIANS: Jim Thome's agent wants Cleveland to make its final offer by Monday. The Indians have made an offer thought to be worth between $40-million and $48-million over four years. General manager Mark Shapiro said it's unlikely the budget-conscious club could increase guaranteed money, but said Cleveland has left itself "room for creativity and flexibility." ... Utilityman Bill Selby broke his left hand sliding home while playing in Mexico. He will not need surgery.
PHILLIES: Free-agent pitcher Tom Glavine met with the Phillies on Friday, a day after he visited the Mets. Both teams are trying to persuade the two-time NL Cy Young Award winner to leave the Braves.
RED SOX: Boston signed former Milwaukee pitcher Steve Woodard and four minor-league free agents. It also signed pitchers Tom Davey and Kevin Tolar, first baseman-outfielder Larry Sutton and infielder Julio Zuleta.
TICKETS: The Cubs and Mets are moving to a tiered pricing system next season.