Green's status remains unclear
Green's status remains unclear
Possibilities for veteran include trade, platoon
Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Aug. 16, 2006 12:00 AM
DENVER - Shawn Green is healthy, yet for the second straight game the right fielder was out of the Diamondbacks starting lineup, fueling speculation he might be on his last leg in Arizona or, at the very least, on the verge of a platoon situation with rookie Carlos Quentin.
And it could be just the beginning as the Diamondbacks switch into more of a youth movement but with eyes still on October.
"We've got a lot of good players, but the younger players are going to play because we believe they can perform right now," General Manager Josh Byrnes said, echoing comments earlier Tuesday from manager Bob Melvin.
Green met with Melvin before Tuesday's game at Coors Field, and Green clearly wasn't happy.
"Am I surprised? Yeah, I'm a little surprised," Green said. "I don't think there's anything that needs to be read into it. The direction they want to go is pretty clear."
Melvin said his primary reason for giving Green consecutive days off was to give him a mental break from the rumors and reports that have him being dealt to the Mets in what basically amounts to a salary dump and a way to open regular playing time for Quentin.
"It's difficult enough to play this game without any distractions," Melvin said, "but I thought a couple days might do him good. You think about these things a little bit because a lot has been written about it, but there's really nothing to be read.
"Carlos is going to play some, but 'Greenie' is as well. He'll be back in there (today). I just thought with the intensity of the last couple days, it might do him a little bit of good. He might not agree with me, but that was part of the thinking."
As for the potential trade to the Mets, Green reiterated he still has not been presented with anything specific by the Diamondbacks, who would need to consult with him because he has a no-trade clause involving every club except the Padres, Giants and Angels.
"Until I'm presented anything, it's unrealistic to make a statement," Green said.
When asked if changing teams to the National League's front-runners in the Mets, who have a chance to potentially go deep into the playoffs, Green said, "Obviously, that's a big perk. But it's something me and my family are going to have to discuss."
Green apparently has cleared waivers and the Diamondbacks could broker a deal with any team interested in the 12-year veteran, who was hitting .281 with 10 homers and 49 RBIs, entering Tuesday. Though the Mets have made the most contact, a trade wasn't seen as imminent.
Juggling playing time is, however. Quentin collected 17 RBIs through his first 54 at-bats and will continue to get opportunities .
"Carlos has been very, very productive form the very start," Melvin said, "whether it's starting or coming off the bench."
Green may get some time by spelling rookie Conor Jackson at first base, which he has done since veteran Tony Clark went on the disabled list a month ago.
"Sitting isn't obviously a scenario I want to be in," Green said. "We're playing against teams I'm familiar with and that (not playing) makes it obviously frustrating."
Melvin said he's counting on both veterans and young players to help Arizona make a run at the postseason.
"The connotation has always been that the veterans are the guys that play down the stretch," he said, "but I think you're seeing it handled a little bit differently the past couple years... It's changed a little bit."
Get errr done!
