As friends depart, Cal ponders future

By BRUCE LOWITT and Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 4, 2000

Baseball players come and go. A lot of Orioles went before Monday's trading deadline. Two were among third baseman Cal Ripken's closest friends on the team, shortstop Mike Bordick and leftfielder B.J. Surhoff.

"The process saddens me. It really does," Ripken told the Baltimore Sun. "I can't help watching B.J.'s emotions ... and well up and feel all the emotions he felt, and I'm not the one leaving."

Surhoff wept when he learned that, minutes before the deadline, he had been traded to Atlanta after 41/2 seasons in Baltimore.

"The friend that he's become, the time that we've spent and talked about baseball and the years that he's had here; it's sad," Ripken said. "It's just the harsh reality of baseball."

Ripken, sidelined since June 28 with inflammation of the lower back, said he hopes to play the final six weeks. He turns 40 Aug. 24, is almost twice the age of several new teammates, last played in a World Series in 1983 and is on a rebuilding team.

He played in 2,632 consecutive games until September 1998. He has been disabled three times since. "Like every season, I have to evaluate once the season's over," he said when asked if he planned to return in 2001. "You collect all the information and make a decision on your playing status. I'm at a point in my career now where you take it year to year to year."

If he wants to come back, manager Mike Hargrove wants him.

"You need a veteran influence on a ballclub. That's vital," Hargrove said. "Cal's as good as it gets with that. Besides, I firmly believe that Cal can still play this game."

HOT START: Shortstop Melvin Mora, acquired by the Orioles when they sent Bordick to the Mets, batted .526 in his first six games with his new team.

"You have to prepare mentally and try to make it easier for yourself, no matter where you go," Mora said.

One thing that especially pleases him is that, being in the American League, he has a better shot at playing nine innings rather than leaving as part of a double switch. He also has settled in as the No. 2 hitter, replacing Bordick in the field and the lineup.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE: Vice president of baseball operations Syd Thrift says he intends to meet with pending free-agent pitcher Mike Mussina, centerfielder Brady Anderson and rightfielder Albert Belle during the series against the Devil Rays.

He hopes to give them an idea of the club's direction to help them decide whether to stay or leave, and he will use the players' input as a guideline for August, when he must secure waivers on any player he seeks to trade, and beyond.

"I've always respected the desires and wishes of players," Thrift said. "I've always felt a player shouldn't be where he doesn't want to be."

The three players can reject any trade, either because of their longevity in the majors and with the Orioles or because they have it in their contracts.

"There's a big question mark on what I want to do now," Mussina said. "I don't think it takes a genius to figure out (the deals) put the club in a position where they aren't looking to be competitive for a couple years. So where does that leave me?"

Anderson said he intends to complete his contract in Baltimore. "I had the opportunity to leave for more money three years ago and didn't take it. I don't see why I should now," he said.

ALMOST BACK: Infielder Mark Lewis says he'll be ready to come off the disabled list Saturday. Lewis hasn't played since July 20 in Boston when he strained his left hamstring while stealing third.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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