MAILBAG: June 15

Q: Can I get your thoughts on the Pedro Martinez injury? This has happened for three straight seasons now. In the press it sounds like he is just "tired." Is there something more to this, do you think? We need him to start Games 1 and 5 of the World Series this year. -- Doug (Optimistic Red Sox Fan), Boston
PWG: As you know, the oblique muscle has dogged him for years, and the violent torque of his arm action is wearing. He seems to feel that he will be fine next week.

	The Red Sox expect Pedro Martinez to miss one start with a sore right shoulder. Pedro is 7-2 with a 2.01 ERA.

Q: Pat Gillick says he is looking for a No. 1 starter for the second half with the Mariners. Who is out there that won't be on a contender? -- Kevin Guenzi, Tacoma, Wash.
PWG: I still think he'll go get a bat like a Phil Nevin or Robin Ventura, but other than David Wells and Pedro Astacio, I cannot guess on a veteran No. 1 he could get. And as of yesterday, he wasn't in on Astacio.

Q: With the trade deadline quickly approaching, what in your opinion are the things the Twins need most? Thanks. -- Gary Gross, St. Cloud, Minn.
PWG: First and foremost, a bat, but not a Greg Vaughn with two years and $20 million remaining. Kevin Millar would be perfect, but the Marlins don't want to deal him unless Derrek Lee hits.

Q: With their recent success, will the Braves hold their cards with what they have or are there hitters out there that can be acquired? What about Jason Giambi or Johnny Damon? -- Satya, Augusta, Ga.
PWG: Damon, maybe, but budget is a problem for the Braves. My guess is that they will trade, but John Schuerholz has to decide between a starter or a high-priced bat.

Q: What moves do the Cubs need to make before the trading deadline? I personally think they need to shore up starting pitching, third base and center field. Could Corey Patterson still be the answer in center? -- Paul Stanosheck, Beatrice, Neb.
PWG: I think Andy McPhail will be very active, and I think he could go get another starter and a bat for the outfield or third. Watch him, because he is a sage man.

Q: With midseason approaching, what can we expect the Mets to go shopping for? With their recent surge, what kind of talent do you feel they could add? -- John Dalby, Staten Island, N.Y.
PWG: It depends on how close they are. If they think they can win, a left-handed bat and a couple of pitchers. If not, they will see what's out there for veterans like Armando Benitez, Robin Ventura and Rey Ordonez.

Q: Will the Reds be any better when (if) Junior Griffey and Barry Larkin return? -- Brian Plasters, Warrenton, Va.
PWG: It only stands to reason that they will be better, but they are so buried and so uncertain about their starting pitching and have so many issues right down to the fires around GM Jim Bowden that one wonders how good they'll be. For instance, if Pete Harnisch comes back strong, will they deal him? If they deal for Ruben Mateo and bring up Adam Dunn, perhaps the focus will be on 2002.

Q: Earlier in the year I read somewhere that the Rangers wanted to get Tony Armas Jr. from the Expos, but felt that the asking price of Ruben Mateo was too much. Am I missing something here? -- Rod Richards, Hillside, N.Y.
PWG: Earlier in the year, Armas was available, likely not now. The Expos offered Ugueth Urbina for Mateo and were rejected, but would not deal Armas or Javier Vazquez.

Q: Will Kansas City ever host another All-Star Game? The stadium is just as beautiful as any other park. Will the Royals ever contend again? And is baseball safe in Kansas City? Thanks, Peter, I enjoy your work. -- Paul Gobea, Olathe, Kan.
PWG: Problem is, they keep building new parks, so the Royals get left out, and they have maintained that stadium beautifully. I think baseball is safe, but to contend for more than a one- or two-year window requires significant revenue sharing.

	Mark McGwire chased Roger Maris in '98; this summer, Barry Bonds is chasing Big Mac.

Q: What's wrong with the St. Louis Cardinals? Everyone seems to be healthy, so is it a management problem? -- Scott R. Walters, Westchester, Ill.
PWG: I don't see it as a management problem -- they just aren't hitting. They need Mark McGwire to get hot and Jim Edmonds to get healthy and Ray Lankford to get going. Coming out of spring training, I thought this would be a very good team if they could stay healthy and perhaps add a pitcher. They're looking for a pitcher right now. Woody Williams? Walt Jocketty says the David Wells price is too high.

Q: Are the Blue Jays listening to offers for Raul Mondesi? If so, is there any chance we could see him in a Mariners uniform? Many thanks! -- LT, Seattle, Wash.
PWG: The Jays have shopped Jose Cruz and Tony Batista, but while they'd like to get out from a Mondesi salary, the man has played so hard all season he's a tough guy to trade.

Q: If Kevin Millwood were healthy, would the Braves trade him and a prospect for a big bat? Also, will the Braves make a run at getting Jason Giambi or Barry Bonds this winter? -- Jarred Thomas, Decatur, Ga.
PWG: Just how much money AOL will allow the Braves to spend remains to be seen. My guess is that they will go for other levels of free agents, like Damon.

Q: With the White Sox slowly working their way back into the wild-card race, do you think they will make any moves or will they be content to see what they can do with what they've got? -- Patrick Beaman, Perry, Iowa
PWG: In my opinion, it would be a marketing mistake to unload until they cool off, and with so many good young arms, one more left-handed bat would help.

Q: Will the Orioles trade Sidney Ponson or anyone else before the deadline? Who have they discussed getting in return? -- Josh, Darnestown, Md.
PWG: They talked about him earlier this season, but their young pitchers have blossomed, they are respectable and unless they get a prime power-hitting third baseman, they will have a tough time convincing Peter Angelos that they should deal Ponson.

Q: Ever heard of John Mayer? I suggest you listen to a couple of his songs. You'll like what you hear. -- Satya, Athens, Ga.
PWG: I'll go out and find him. May I suggest American Hi-Fi this week?