Are the Orioles serious about trading their best young player, Charles Johnson, possibly to Seattle?
Buck Martinez: I think everybody wants to know about his availability. They have Brady Anderson, Albert Belle, Scott Erickson and Cal Ripken signed but not Bordick or Johnson. They have gotten burned before with Hoiles when he didn’t deliver through the length of the contract. He probably won’t get a 5-year deal with the Orioles so they are better off to trade him. Mark Urkovich: Do the Cubs have any realistic chance of putting something together with their recent string of performances (6 of 7)? Buck Martinez: As far as contending this year, probably not. It would take a dramatic turnaround. They are still two games under .500 at home. They still have a long way to go. The first putt for them is to get to .500. Eric From Milwaukee: Does Nomar have a good chance to hit .400 this season? Buck Martinez: Yeah, I don’t know why not. Somebody will do it someday. He is so good at putting the bat on the ball consistently. Injuries have always been a concern. When George Brett tried in ’80 he
