Good Morning All!

It's a terrible snowy day in Chicago.. at least 8-12 inches (they say).
Happy Monday!!!

Anyway.. I wonder if the Mutts will still go after Coney.. and more
importantly if he will accept.  Since the Mutts signed Kevin Appier this
weekend that would make Coney the 5th starter (if he would go to the
Mutts).. and that was the reason he gave for not returning to the Yankees,
b/c he didn't want to be a 5th starter.

Any thoughts on this??

Hope you all had a nice weekend!  Susan, as usual thanks for the articles..
and more importantly the WFAN sound-bite!!  Ally, wow a new job!!  What a
way to start off the new year!!  Good luck!!

Laura

http://www.geocities.com/coney36_nyy/

Hey everyone...wow what a dramatic and busy time!!  First of all, thanks
everyone for your comments to the list.  I am so glad you all enjoy it,
it's so wonderful to see and have the support of such wonderful fans!

Susan, thanks again for the articles as dark as they may have been.  I
have never seen Cone as an "all about the money" type of guy, and those
articles that suggested otherwise really angred me.  I mean, I can see how
it looks that way, and maybe a part of it is true...but *just* a part.  I
still believe he has been more about the game and loyalty to his teams.  I
can't believe these articles are still coming out claiming Cone totally
turned down the Yankees...when really the fact seems to be neither side
ever really made a formal offer.  This I see as more of the Yankees'
"fault" than Cone's...who knows, maybe Cone didn't make an offer because
he *didn't* want to be greedy...maybe he just wanted to see how much faith
people were willing to put into him, and maybe he sees that in offers that
are made to him...

I personally would like to see him sign with Kansas City <grin>...Not only
is it closer to my part of the country, but I see it as the only other
acceptable alternative to the Yankees...He started with the Royals, and if
he were to end it with the Royals, it would make his career into a
complete circle and he could have good closure at the end of his career.
However, I could see him going back to the Mets too since he does have
roots there, obviously harbors a soft spot in his heart for them, and he
wouldn't have to move anywhere. :)

These articles angered me because they almost paint Cone as *wanting* to
leave the Yankees...and that's not the case at all...I don't like how the
one claimed he's clearly not confident in his pitching by not wanting to
be the 5th starter...that is NOT the case at all.  I think Cone is very
confident, but with a rotation like the one the Yankees have now...it
probably would look bleak for Cone to get a lot of pitching time in a
rotation like that.  It's not that he's not confident, he's just being
smart.  But who knows, even if he did have *some* doubt, could you blame
him?  Last year really did a toll on him I think, and is it so wrong for
him to go searching for the best possible career-oriented scenario?
Especially if this is going to be his last year?  I surely don't think so.

I just hope he doesn't end up with the Red Sox or *eulgh* some Floridian
team...and these rumors about going to the Giants or even Toronto...gads,
I'd never see him pitch!  But now with the signing of Appier that Laura
brought to my attention...this does make me wonder about Cone's chances of
signing with the Mets...I do think it would be odd for him to sign with
them if he would get about the same playing time he would with the
Yankees.  If he went to Kansas City...I think it would be nice for
him...he would be in his hometown, and his family would be there...and he
could probably bring a lot of wisdom and do a lot of good for a young team
and be the hometown hero he always dreamed of being. :)

I *did* love the article "Cone's life goes on" that Susan sent!  A lot of
articles keep mentioning how he is working out in Tampa and it just makes
me beam with excitement.  I love how he is so dang determined...just all
of his quotes in that article are so...*wow* :)  I love his optimism, and
I trust it...if he believes so strongly in himself than no one else has
any reason not to. :)  This guy *lives* for proving all the doubters
wrong, and I see this situation as no different...you'd think everyone in
the baseball world would have learned by now to never doubt what David
Cone can do. :)

Have a great week everyone...stay warm!  Laura, we got tons of snow here
too! *ugh*  And Ally, good luck with that new job!! :)

Take care~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                 --KC :)

http://www.geocities.com/coney36_nyy/

Here are some tidbits I just found:

  The best of the whispers from the Wyndham Anatole Hotel in Dallas, site
of baseball's annual winter meetings: 

- Some members of the Blue Jays wanted  to sign New York Yankees free-agent
pitcher David Cone (4-14, 6.91 earned-run average) to pitch out of the
bullpen and be a steadying influence on their young pitchers. A number of
Jays front office people, including manager Buck Martinez, were not
interested.

(Good...I don't really want to see him there...;P  Plus, he doesn't *want*
to pitch out of the dang bullpen...)

This one I must admit I'm not a fan of...:

Orioles warm up to Cone
Ex-Yankee up next with Appier out of mix
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Joe Strauss
Sun Staff
Originally published Dec 11 2000
  
DALLAS - Another day, another contingency. 

After conceding their chase for free-agent pitcher Kevin Appier to be
futile, the Orioles re-focused attention on New York Yankees discard David
Cone. 

Vice president of baseball operations Syd Thrift said he conveyed the
Orioles' interest in Cone to his agent, Steve Fehr, last week and
yesterday insisted the former Cy Young Award winner represented both a
financial fit and the intangibles desired within an otherwise formative
rotation. 

"David is the kind of pitcher who can [help] in the development of some of
our young pitchers," Thrift said. "That's exactly the type of person we're
looking for ... someone who can give the manager that kind of confidence
aside from his ability." 

The Orioles also find themselves on the verge of being frustrated in their
quest for a free-agent shortstop, as familiar face Mike Bordick is
believed to be close to signing with the Seattle Mariners, while Alex
Gonzalez last night signed a four-year deal worth between $19 million and
$20 million to remain with the Toronto Blue Jays. As a fallback, Thrift
has approached the Montreal Expos about the availability of shortstop
Orlando Cabrera. 

Cone, 37, suffered a tortured 2000 season that ended with him making only
two postseason relief appearances during the Yankees' world championship
run. Paid $12 million to serve as the Yankees' de facto fifth starter,
Cone finished 4-14 with a 6.91 ERA in 155 innings last season. American
League hitters reached him for a .306 average, and he allowed 274 base
runners. 

Refusing him arbitration, the Yankees offered Cone an incentive-laded
$500,000 contract to return. Cone, a devotee of New York, now faces the
likelihood of finishing his career in another city.

The Orioles..?!  Man...okay, so people (including myself) continue to
bring up Kansas City...but nowhere have I read or heard of Kansas City
even being interested in persuing Cone...have you??

                                         --KC

Sorry KC, but the Royals GM said today the team is more in need of
relief pitching than starting pitching, so they're not interested in
David.

With Appier and Trachsel going to the Mets, it doesn't look like
there's a spot in their starting rotation for him.

--------

There was a small item in the Daily News yesterday that David and
Billy Connors are business partners in a Clearwater, FL restaurant.




--
susan peters ~ [email protected]

Okay, if Cone signs with the Orioles, that's gonna be really
weird.  Especially since I saw his last start against the Orioles, which
was against Mike Mussina, who was starting for the Orioles for the last
time?  Whoa, irony.  

I also find it distressing that so many newspaper articles are saying
"this proves Cone is a hired gun after all."  This is not like the case
of Hampton going to the Rockies for a smidgen more $$ and a couple more
contract years.  I too find the Yankees share responsibility for what
happened.  Loyalty is a two-way street, and owners as well as players can
be "disloyal" (just ask Mark Grace, or BJ Surhoff for that matter -- the
dude cried when the Orioles traded him!).  Seems to me that if the Yankees
really wanted to keep Coney around, they could have spent more time
negotiating with him and convincing him to stay.  Maybe offered a contract
where incentives would have made it worth more in the end, much like the
contract offered to Tony Gwynn.  Still, I am very miffed by the article
that referred to him as a Yankee "discard".  I sure hope Cone proves all
the doubters wrong next season!  

-- Akino
aka B "ukh" G (o:P

Akino, I really agree with what you said about the Yanks not going
after David enough. 

They sure knew how to go about winning Mussina over. You'd think they
could have made a little effort to talk David into accepting their
offer, even if they couldn't sweeten the pot a little more. Joe Torre
courted Moose; he called him on the phone and then wined & dined him.
Joe never even made a phone call to David. I think one call from Joe,
Mel, Cash, George - anyone - and David would have gladly stayed. 

Now he's in the same position he was in with the Yankees, where he'll
only be a 5th starter. David never could have believed he'd be a #1 or
#2 pitcher for another club, so why not be #5 for the Yankees? The
only answer I can come up with is that he knew they didn't really want
him, so he took the hint. 

I suppose when he said he wanted to be able to pitch more than he'd be
able to as the 5th starter for the Yankees he was thinking about the
16 wins he needs for 200. However, he's not likely to be able to
achieve that goal on another team. He actually had a better chance of
hitting 200 with the Yankees because of the players he'd have behind
him.

It seems as if they made him an offer they knew he wouldn't accept.
That way it put the burden on David to walk away, rather than having
them look like the bad guys who cut him loose.

--
susan peters ~ [email protected]

Good Morning All!

Yes, I  really can't believe how I am "into" all this drama...  KC you were
saying you hadn't heard anything about him going to KC.. well the NY times
reported (I think it was the times) that George Brett called up Coney and is
interested in him as a closer or set-up guy!!  This I found very interesting
as did Coney.. so there are talks of him going back home... that is
something I could be fine with!!

If anyone can post/find this article I would appreicate it since I am at
work.. and can't go umm... researching for it!!  (hee-hee)

Have a good day.. do ya think ARod is having a good day???  WOW.. good
looking, good player, and now good money forever!!  Gads!! I hope he has a
good season or else $25.2 million/year might have just been wasted!!

~Laura

December 12, 2000
Royals Offer Cone a Role
By THE NEW YORK TIMES
 
When David Cone heard about the Mets filling out their pitching rotation 
yesterday �€” and ending their interest in signing him �€” he was already 
considering a proposition to work as a late-inning reliever for the Kansas 
City Royals.

Cone, the former Yankees right-hander, received a call Sunday night from his 
former teammate George Brett, vice president for baseball operations with the 
Royals. He asked Cone if he would be interested in pitching as being a setup 
man or a closer for Kansas City.

"It's intriguing," Cone said. "It got me thinking. I have to give it some 
thought, because I've been a starter."

Cone, a Kansas City native, was originally signed by the Royals and broke 
into the majors with the team.

The Royals signed the right- handed reliever Doug Henry to a two-year 
contract yesterday.

yup penny that's the one... so guys whatta ya think???  Could be
exciting..at least for all of us who live in the mid-west!!  He's gonna have
to think about that one tho- no more being a starter and him eyeing 16 wins
in order to get 200.. it won't happen in the bullpen!!

thanks pen for posting the article
~Laura

http://www.geocities.com/coney36_nyy/

Okay, I cannot deny I am a huge fan of the location factor in this
possibility...but a set-up man or reliver?  He was looking for a starting
position, no one out there is willing to give him that?  I mean, if he
couldn't have been a starter *anywhere*, wouldn't it have made sense to
stay with the Yankees?  I think it is *very* interesting though that Cone
finds this offer "intriguing"...just my theory, but I think it has to do
with this being his hometown team.  I think he would feel comfortable
there, and I really believe he could do a lot of good for their pitching
staff like I stated before.  At any rate, thanks for posting that article!
I am very excited about this.  I hope it all works out, but I just want
Cone to be happy wherever he is.  Dang, right now I just wish he'd sign
*something*!!  I hate this waiting... :) 
                                      --KC :)

By BOB KLAPISCH
Staff Writer

DALLAS -- David Cone's hopes of a Mets comeback died a fast,
irrefutable death Monday when the club opted for journeyman Steve
Trachsel as the No. 5 starter. But Cone's career might take a
surprising turn -- as a closer, with the Royals.

"The day after my talks with the Yankees broke off George Brett called
and said, " 'That Game 5 in the 1995 playoffs [against Seattle, in the
Division Series] was one of the greatest displays of guts I've ever
seen,' " Cone said. "He said, 'I'd love to have you on my team.' "

Brett, a Royals vice president with the authority to recruit free
agents, suggested Cone consider the bullpen, and left open the
possibility of becoming a closer. Interestingly, Cone didn't flinch,
since as a product of the Royals' farm system he served in relief
before being traded to the Mets in 1987, and was once groomed to
replace Dan Quisenberry.

No wonder Cone is intrigued by Brett's offer, and, speaking by
telephone from his home in Tampa, Fla., said: "I definitely would be
open to being a reliever. Why not? I've done it before."

Still, he says, it'll take a few days to digest the disappointment of
the Mets' acquisition of Trachsel. There'd been a preliminary dialogue
with general manager Steve Phillips last week, and the right-hander
said, "I was hoping to at least get a face-to-face with them, be able
to look them in the eye and let me state my case."

Instead, Cone never heard from Phillips again, as the Mets turned
their gaze to Kevin Appier and then Trachsel. Cone was polite about
the Mets' caution and respectful toward Trachsel, in particular, but
nevertheless said: "Obviously, I'm disappointed. It was a nice idea,
but I guess the Mets had doubts about me. It's pretty apparent I'm low
down on most people's totem poles."

That might not be entirely true. Besides the Royals, the A's, Orioles,
and Blue Jays have contacted Cone during the past week, and he remains
convinced "retirement is not an option. Not the way my arm is feeling
right now."

While the Royals have an obvious nostalgic appeal for Cone, the A's
could be his next stop. The defending Western Division champions have
a fresh pitching deficit, having lost Appier, and general manager
Billy Beane is looking for relatively cheap, veteran talent to replace
him.

Beane seemed initially interested in Cone's availability.

"He's a veteran guy, and he's got the leadership qualities that would
be great in my clubhouse," Beane said. "David knows how to conduct
himself, he knows what to say. That'd be the kind of thing my younger
players would need."

Ah, but can Cone still pitch? Beane, for one, seemed willing to find
out, just like Brett. And even the Yankees, who witnessed Cone's
decline firsthand in 2000, felt confident enough to at least discuss a
$500,000 contract for 2001 before the talks evaporated.

That's why the Mets lack of interest -- indeed, their refusal to even
explore the issue -- seemed so inexplicable. Cone obviously would've
cost less than Trachsel, who signed a two-year deal worth $7 million
despite a 16-33 record since 1999.

Cone also had the support of John Franco, who telephoned Fred Wilpon
on his behalf, as did Al Leiter and Mike Piazza. But is it possible
the Mets are still punishing Cone for refusing to sign with them after
the 1995 season?

That's when Cone, a free agent, had pitched in that dramatic playoff
series against the Mariners, and was close to re-signing with the
Yankees. Then-Met GM Joe McIlvaine made an 11th-hour sales pitch to
Cone, yet strangely lectured him about press leaks in the newspapers,
and then, even more damagingly, refused to give Cone a complete
no-trade clause.

Cone listened politely, then finalized his deal with the Yankees, the
continuation of a successful five-plus-year marriage in the Bronx.
Cone may or may not be regretting his decision to walk away from the
Bombers last week, although it is true his No. 5 status in the
starting rotation would've rendered him invisible, especially in April
and October.

That's why he imagined closure with the Mets. And that's why Cone took
the news of Trachsel's signing as a setback.

"It'll take a few days for things to shake out with these other
teams," he said. "But, honestly, I'm sorry the Mets never listened to
what I had to say."

--
susan peters ~ [email protected]

>It's pretty apparent I'm low
down on most people's totem poles."

awww Coney.. what's with all this self-loathing!!??

I am confused... like KC, I don't understand why he didn't take the 5th
starter role as a Yankee.. at least he'd be starting.. I am not sure he's
going to be happy as a closer.. he won't get his 16 wins that way.. down
deep tho- I'm glad he's not going to the Mutts!! I know those of you in NY
would have loved to still see him play.. but once you leave a superior
team.. why would you want to go to those losers!!

~have a good night

A few months ago I saw a Yankees Magazine feature on David's annual
softball event. He was wearing a nifty hat, and as soon as I saw it I
knew I had to try to get one. Well, I got one!

It's black, with an embroidered design on the front in the shape of a
baseball. In the baseball there's a colorful city scene in red, blue,
black and gray, featuring a bridge and what looks to me like Con Ed's
smokestacks. Across the picture, it has "David Cone" embroidered in
white italic letters. Around the baseball in gray embroidered print it
says "Charity Softball Tournament." On the back of the adjustable hat
it has "Central Park NYC 2000" embroidered in white, and a small "NE"
logo on the side (New Era made the hat).

If you'd like to order one of these, you can send a donation to the
David Cone Foundation, 303 East 83rd Street, Apt. 6A, New York, NY
10028. You help a worthy cause, and get a neat hat in return!
--
susan peters ~ [email protected]

Their show is on tonight, and they were just saying they think David
made a big mistake by not accepting the Yankees' offer. They said they
thought his feelings were hurt by the offer, but the #5 starter is all
that's out there for him at this point in his career.

They made a good point - there's always a chance one of the starters
would have been out with an injury and that would have moved him up in
the rotation. 

(Look at how many injuries we had to our starters last year; Clemens
nursed a strained groin all season, El Duque had back spasms, Pettitte
pulled a muscle in his back early in the season, and that's not even
mentioning Doza's, Watty's, Grimsley's injuries - and Coney himself,
of course, was injured.)

K said David is a very bright guy - how could he think the Yankees
would offer him anything other than a 5th starter after last year?

S said David always loved being a Yankee. How can you leave a
championship team?

K&S talked about the chance that David might work out and get into
shape, and if he still isn't signed by 5/1 come back to the Yankees.
My fantasy!
--
susan peters ~ [email protected]

Good Morning

Thanks Susan for the address to get the hat, and the chance to participate
in a charitable event!!!

As for S&K.. I have to say I agree w/them.. I mean why wouldn't he want to
be the Yanks 5th starter???.. and I've always been saying even though he
would be 'labeled' the 5th starter you just never know what could happen in
spring training.  I always thought if Coney signed Joe would have had HIM
start opening day (I really believe he would have too!!)

I don't think he will come back to us and it looks as though he's very close
to signing with the Royals.  My husband tells me if he's becomes a long
relief/closer he might stay in baseball for a few more years if he wants to
achieve 16 wins. I really hope he can get those wins!!

Hope everyone has a great day.. they are saying 1-3 inches more of snow in
Chicago!!!

http://www.geocities.com/coney36_nyy/

Well, we're all still waiting...I'm still hoping for the KC possibility.
I did understand the Royals can only offer a relief position, I was just
confused as to why David would find the Royals possible proposition
"intriguing" when he could have been a #5 starter with the Yankees...  I
believe he didn't accept this offer from the Yankees because (well other
than it wasn't exactly formally proposed) maybe he really did believe he
could get better pitching exposure elsewhere, and I really don't think he
was being delusional in thinking that....it's just a shame it isn't
turning out that way.  Gads, I don't like this talk about him going to the
A's...dangit!  

Susan, these articles were fabulous...so many great quotes...

"The day after my talks with the Yankees broke off George Brett called
and said, " 'That Game 5 in the 1995 playoffs [against Seattle, in the
Division Series] was one of the greatest displays of guts I've ever
seen,' " Cone said. "He said, 'I'd love to have you on my team.' "
  
  This had to make him feel good!

"I definitely would be
open to being a reliever. Why not? I've done it before."

I must admit this kind of surprised me when I read it...I mean I know he
actually started out as a reliever and everything...but wow...I'm just so
used to him being a starter, as I'm sure he is. :)  I think this shows a
lot about his character and dedication to the game though...the man just
wants to pitch! :)

"retirement is not an option. Not the way my arm is feeling
right now."

I think this was the best quote ever!  It's so wonderful to hear that he
is feeling great and he is so determined to go out there and do all the
good things we know he's capable of.  It's quotes like this that really
make me believe in him and his ability.

"Obviously, I'm disappointed. It was a nice idea,
but I guess the Mets had doubts about me. It's pretty apparent I'm low
down on most people's totem poles."
  
Laura-- I must agree with you that this quote was a heart-piercer... :(
It's really too bad things didn't work out with the Mets, he seemed to
have high hopes in that area.  Hopefully KC will work out for him...

Susan-- What you brought up about the Yankees not wanting him was really
interesting, I had never thought of it like that but now that you mention
it it sure does look that way.  Though I still believe he may have thought
he could have gotten a #3 or #4 starting position on another team earlier
in the offseason and that's why the #5 wasn't looking so appealing...and
I'm not really sure I agree with the Yankees run-support theory...I still
see that as a big factor in his demise last season.

Hmm, if David does become a reliever and is able to stay in baseball past
next year, I for one think that's fabulous!  I wonder if that would
happen....  I must say even though I still harbor warm-heart moments for
the Cone-Yankees relationship, I don't like the idea of him floating
around in baseball limbo until May 1...where would he be for Spring
Training?  I hope he gets signed before ST starts...

Oh, and thanks Susan for the Foundation tidbit...that is awesome!  I
should include it on my Charities page...

Take care~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
                     --KC :)

http://www.geocities.com/coney36_nyy/

Royals out to convince Cone he could become another Eckersley
By JEFFREY FLANAGAN - Columnist
Date: 12/13/00 22:15

When George Brett called David Cone last week to talk about the
possibility of Cone returning to the Royals in 2001, Cone seemed very
impressed with manager Tony Muser's team. 

"David said he liked how this team could hit and run and throw," Brett
said by phone Wednesday, "and he said he liked the young starters. He said
the only thing missing was a closer. That was the difference between the
Royals being a playoff team or not." 

Here's the funny thing: Cone could be the difference. Cone could be the
Royals' closer. 

Now it's just up to the Royals to convince Cone of that. 

"We talked about it," Brett said. "I think he thought the idea was
intriguing. I think in his heart he still wants to be a starter, but he
might give it (closing) some thought. He brought up Dennis Eckersley and
how Eck made a new career out of it. So who knows?" 

Actually, there are intriguing parallels between Cone's situation and
Eckersley's. Eckersley didn't become a full-time closer until he was
nearly 34. Cone is 37. 

Eckersley was known for having a great "out" pitch -- his slider. Cone has
a great out pitch, too -- his slider. Eckersley had a closer's mentality,
refusing to ever give in to a hitter. Cone has that mentality, too. 

And remember, Eckersley had one of his best seasons as closer when he was
38, saving 51 games for the A's with a 1.91 ERA. 

"I brought up the idea of closing to David one time and we kind of joked
about it," said Steve Fehr, Cone's Kansas City-based agent. "I suppose
anything's possible. He is only 16 wins from getting to 200, though, and
he feels he could get to that this season as a starter. 

"His arm feels great, and he believes last season was an aberration. Right
now, David is just studying his options. Several teams have called since
the Yankees got out of the picture." 

Brett has become the Royals' point man in trying to persuade Cone to come
back to Kansas City. Brett said he'll talk to Cone again after Christmas. 

"We had a very good chat," Brett said. "I think it'd be great to have him
come back because of his abilities and because he'd be such a great
influence on the younger guys. 

"I think we have a chance at getting him back. He said more than once it
was an intriguing idea."

****
I find this idea really intriguing too, I've stated many times before I
think that Cone could do alot of good for the Royals' team...but he *is*
so close to those 200 wins, and I do think that if he has any chance at
all to achieve those, then he should do it because we all know he is
capable of it.
                              --KC :)

Good Morning All!!

Ok it's Friday.. and I am just kind of off-the-wall crazy today.. my
co-worker brought in a magic 8 ball (Does anyone remember those things???)
Anyway, frist question I asked was (of course): Is David Cone going to the
KC Royals??... answer: concentrate and try again!!  UGH!!  Ok, I asked a
more specific question: Will David Cone go to the KC Royals as a
closer...answer: definately no!!!!  Hmmm... gotta wonder 'bout that magic 8
ball!! hee-hee!!

Well, KC.. the article (to me)sounds pretty certain that's where he will end
up, but if he does become a closer, no way will we see those 16 wins next
year.  However, over the course of a couple of years it may be a
possibility.  The relationship sounds very good btw coney and the Royals,
plus, his agent seems to be all for the idea, which makes me believe Kansas
City will be his new home!

Hope everyone has a great day and wonderful weekend!!- more snow expected in
Chicago tonight...  :((((

Laura

http://www.geocities.com/coney36_nyy/

Sox, Cone click: Mutual interest will lead to talks
by Michael Silverman 
Friday, December 15, 2000

The talks so far have been strictly preliminary, but David Cone and the
Red Sox have enough mutual interest in one another that the sides are
expected to explore a more serious relationship in the coming days.

A source close to the 37-year-old free agent right-hander said yesterday
that ``the Red Sox are one of the few teams he's most interested in
pitching for next year.''

And the Red Sox are interested in Cone as well.

Red Sox general manager Dan Duquette is a long-time fan of the polished,
yet gritty veteran, and while he has not spoken directly with Cone or his
agent, contact was made early this offseason. After the Yankees declined
to offer Cone arbitration last week, he became a true free agent and the
Red Sox' interest was re-ignited.

In the coming days, said one club source, Duquette and his associates will
call Cone. Part of the renewed urgency in finding another starter comes
after one trade target, Montreal right-hander Dustin Hermanson, was dealt
to St. Louis yesterday. According to a Red Sox source, Duquette made a
``tell-tale'' remark about Cone on WEEI Wednesday.

``I don't think David Cone is done by any stretch,'' Duquette said during
the interview.

The part about Cone being ``done'' will be the concern of any team that
reaches out to the right-hander. Cone suffered through the worst season of
his career in 2000, going 4-14 with a 6.91 ERA. He began to turn things
around in August by posting a 3-1 mark with a 3.98 ERA, but separated left
shoulder incurred on Sept. 5 ruined the remainder of his season -- and
helped sour the Yankees on bringing him back.

Cone wanted to be picked up by the Mets, for whom he played from 1987-92,
but they opted to sign free agents Kevin Appier and Steve Trachsel during
last week's winter meetings. Some Mets players are said to be lobbying the
brass to reconsider and sign Cone to an incentive-laden deal, but the
chances of that happening appear slim.

The Royals have contacted Cone about a return to Kansas City, where he
pitched in 1986, '93 and '94. Cone hasn't ruled out moving to a relief
role, but he is lukewarm about the idea and would prefer to remain a
starter. He told ESPN.com recently: ``I think last year was a one-time
thing, Murphy's Law year. The way I pitched in the second half showed me
that I can still get hitters out.''

Any deal with Cone, who made $12 million last year, will likely have an
extremely low base salary and be loaded with incentives. It should be
noted that Duquette in the past has favored this type of a deal,
especially when it comes to veteran pitchers coming off of down years.

Duquette hopes to have another starter for the Red Sox' still-thin
rotation by Christmas, but a prime candidate went out the door in
Hermanson, who was part of a four-player deal that saw Cardinals third
baseman Fernando Tatis land in Montreal. Hermanson was 12-14 with a 4.77
ERA last year. In 1998, however, he went 14-11, with a 3.13 ERA, and is
47-48 with a 4.17 ERA for his career.

The Red Sox have also reportedly been interested in making a trade with
two other teams: Colorado for right-hander Pedro Astacio; and Seattle, for
either right-hander Brett Tomko or left-hander Jamie Moyer.

Duquette appears reluctant to give up right fielder Trot Nixon in any
deal, and would prefer to move left fielder Troy O'Leary. There has been
little to no interest from other teams in O'Leary. If the Red Sox have to
give up a young pitcher in a trade, the name of righty Tomo Ohka, now
penciled in as the club's fifth starter, is mentioned most often.

The Red Sox have shown an interest in other free agent pitchers, including
right-hander Ismael Valdes, who played for the Cubs and Dodgers last year.
The Red Sox tried to trade for Valdes during the season and have
maintained their interest. The 27-year-old Valdes was 2-7, 5.64 ERA in 20
starts in an injury-plagued 2000 season.

Another name that could get attention soon is 36-year-old right-hander
John Burkett, who went 10-6 with a 4.89 ERA in Atlanta last year. The Red
Sox have not made contact with veteran right-hander Pat Hentgen, who was
set free by St. Louis despite winning 15 games (15-12) in 2000.

****
Wow...this I wasn't expecting...but it could definitely become a reality
if the Sox really are willing to offer Cone a starting position...I'm sure
he'll take the starter role over the closer role in Kansas City....:(
                          --KC

Thursday, December 14 
 
Best option looking to be reliever with Royals

By Bob Klapisch
Special to ESPN.com

 
David Cone's vigil by the telephone lasted five long days, from the moment 
the Winter Meetings began, until the last baseball executive's departure from 
Dallas, into the offseason's chilly clutches.

The 37-year-old right-hander heard and read about Alex Rodriguez' stunning 
riches and Manny Ramirez' defection from Cleveland to Boston, possibly 
changing the balance of power in the American League East. But what Cone 
really wondered about what his own future.

Cone wanted a phone call -- the phone call, the one which would've offered 
perfect closure to his five-year year marriage to the Yankees. Cone, of 
course, was waiting to hear from the Mets.

That call never came.

Instead, Cone was contacted by the Royals, who offered a different type of 
nostalgic end to his career. Cone spoke with George Brett, currently a vice 
president in the Royals organization, who suggested Cone could be a closer.

Cone admitted he was momentarily stunned, but quickly embraced the idea.

As he put it, "just hearing from George was an honor in itself, considering 
he was an idol of mine. So anything he said sounded good to me.

"He told me, 'I thought the way you pitched in that Game Five in the 1995 
playoffs (the deciding game in the Yankees-Mariners Division Series) was one 
of the gutsiest performances I've ever seen. I'd love to have you on my 
team.' "

Actually, Brett's idea wasn't entirely far-fetched, because Cone -- a product 
of the Royals' farm system -- originally was a reliever and was at one time 
being groomed to replace the late Dan Quisenberry. It wasn't until Cone was 
traded to the Mets in 1987 that his career as a starter was launched.

It was those five seasons at Shea, from 1987-92, that Cone hoped would 
intrigue Mets officials this week. He was, after all, one of theirs, a 
franchise-weapon as significant as Doc and Darryl, and arguably one of the 
National League's best pitchers in 1988, when he was 20-3 with a 2.22 ERA.

Obviously, Cone's greatest postseason successes occurred with the Yankees -- 
he'd been there for all four World Series triumphs since 1996 -- but that 
couldn't keep Cone's relationship with the Bombers alive this winter.

And that couldn't stop him from wishing the Mets would call.

They didn't, though. And Cone admits he was perplexed at the Mets' 
stonewalling.

"Obviously, I'm disappointed," he said. "It was a nice idea, but I guess the 
Mets had doubts about me. I'm in no position to blame them. It's pretty 
apparent I'm low down on most peoples' totem poles."

Indeed, Cone realizes it's hard to gloss over a 4-14 record and 6.91 ERA.

Even Cone's friends in the game are uncertain about his future. The Yankees 
were willing to have Cone back -- but only if he agreed to slice his 
guaranteed salary from $12 million to $500,000, and even then, Cone would've 
had to battle for the No. 5 spot in the rotation.

That's why he gambled, calling off negotiations with the Yankees late last 
week. Mets general manager Steve Phillips politely told Cone's agent that the 
right-hander was "on the board" -- meaning, his name had been mentioned 
internally -- but during the five days in Dallas when the Mets were 
re-shaping their pitching staff, Phillips never again contacted Cone.

Still, December hasn't been a total disaster, because Brett's offer has been 
followed with feelers from the Orioles, Blue Jays and possibly the A's.

In fact, even before investigating Cone's asking-price, Oakland GM Billy 
Beane said, "David's the kind of guy you'd want in your clubhouse because of 
his leadership and how he could help the younger players. That's what kind of 
person he is."

Ah, but can Cone still pitch? Every conversational road returns to that cold, 
hard question. Brett thinks so, obviously, willing to believe Cone can make a 
late-career conversion similar to Dennis Eckersley, who became a closer after 
12 years as a starter.

 “ I think last year was a one-time thing, a Murphy's Law year. The way 
I pitched in the second half (3-1 with a 3.98 ERA in August) showed me that I 
can still get hitters out. ” 
  — Free agent pitcher David Cone 

Eckersley thrived for another 11 full seasons in the bullpen, and pitched 
until he was 43. Of course, Cone's landscape is slightly different, because 
he's spent the 1980s and '90s throwing countless split-finger fastballs, and 
he's had two shoulder-surgeries since 1996.

But relieving might just be the way for Cone to give his career a final 
flourish. This much is certain, Cone says: there are no plans to retire.

"Not at all, not the way my arm has been feeling lately," he said. "I've been 
working out (in Tampa) throwing every day, and I feel great.

"I think last year was a one-time thing, a Murphy's Law year. The way I 
pitched in the second half (3-1 with a 3.98 ERA in August) showed me that I 
can still get hitters out."

Then why did the Mets turn their backs? Could they really still be angry at 
Cone for spurning them as a free agent after the 1995 season when he chose to 
sign with the Yankees? Do grudges at Shea last that long?

If nothing else, signing Cone would've softened the impact of several 
public-relations setbacks since the World Series, including Mike Hampton's 
defection to Colorado and the failure to lure Denny Neagle and Mike Mussina 
to Shea.

In their place, the Mets have added Kevin Appier and Steve Trachsel, and 
while Cone is too polite to pass judgment on either one -- especially 
Trachsel, who's lost 33 games in the last two years -- he still hasn't 
digested the snub.

"All I wanted was a face-to-face meeting with the Mets and talk about coming 
back strong," Cone said. "It's too bad it never happened."

Bob Klapisch of the Bergen (N.J.) Record covers baseball for ESPN.com. 
-------------

I have to say, that though I'm sad he's leaving New York, I'm very happy he 
didn't sign across the river.  I could NEVER bring myself to root for the 
Mets 32 games a year, especially after this season --even for Coney's sake.  
I think it will be interesting if he does indeed close with Kansas, though... 
it'll be as though he's come full circle.
We'll just have to see...