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Strategies & Market Trends : VOLTAIRE'S PORCH-MODERATED -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Cactus Jack who wrote (56165)	11/14/2002 4:09:57 AM
From: stockman_scott	Respond to of 65232

Waiting game in Baker talks Manager's salary only matter left for negotiation By Teddy Greenstein Chicago Tribune staff reporter November 13, 2002, 10:54 PM CST As they inch toward their eighth week without a manager, the Cubs are sensing that they'll have to wait a little while longer. Dusty Baker's agent, Jeff Moorad, has told team officials he would like to continue negotiating until Friday. At that point, Moorad and Baker apparently will decide whether the Cubs' four-year offer is sufficient. Baker, believed to be seeking between $3.5 million and $4 million per season, also might have some leverage. Sources say Moorad has told the Cubs there's at least one other team that wants Baker. That so-called mystery team has kept quiet to avoid offending its current manager. One Cubs official acknowledged the team might have some competition, saying he would "never discount that." But even if the other situation were more attractive, sources say Baker would be extremely reluctant to take another man's job. Baker declined to comment Wednesday on the presence of another team, preferring to focus on becoming the next manager of the Cubs. "We're close," he said. "Things have gone very well. I expect we'll get something done—maybe by the end of the week." The sides have agreed the contract will be four years. Sources say they also are in agreement on what Baker's coaches would be paid. The final hurdle is Baker's salary, although both sides are reluctant to acknowledge that. "Certainly economics play a part in the process," Moorad said. "But Dusty Baker is not all about money." With general manager Jim Hendry busy at the general managers' meetings in Tucson, Ariz., team President Andy MacPhail will handle the bulk of the negotiations. He planned to be in touch with Moorad late Wednesday before continuing discussions Thursday. MacPhail declined to speak for the record Wednesday, but sources say he is confident an agreement with Baker is simply a matter of time. Meanwhile, Moorad will get the best deal he can for his client. Baker's hiring would be applauded by Cubs players. "I've heard from a lot of guys how great it is to play for him," Moises Alou said Wednesday. "He's the kind of guy we need." Alou's father, Felipe, was named Wednesday to replace Baker in San Francisco. "I was kind of surprised," Moises said. "Not because my dad [took it]. I was surprised it took someone this long to give him a [manager's] job. I was doubtful he'd get one." Copyright © 2002, The Chicago Tribune