General Manager Larry Himes figures to be a busy man at the All-Star game in Oakland. ”We`ve had some calls from clubs,” Himes said. ”I`ve got some meetings set up.”
Himes has been with the Sox`s Triple-A team in Hawaii, scouting Tacoma, Oakland`s affiliate. The Athletics are interested in Floyd Bannister, and Himes decided to take a personal look at some of their players. He`s believed to be looking at several pitching prospects. ”There`s nothing close,” Himes said.
Himes turned down a proposed deal that would have sent Ivan Calderon to the Dodgers for Mike Marshall. ”We like the way Ivan has been playing for us,” Himes said.
Himes is frustrated yet confident the Sox will sign their No. 1 draft pick, Jack McDowell.
”We`re continuing our negotiations,” Himes said. ”I think we`ve made him a very fair offer.”
Himes, though, said he does not plan to meet with McDowell when he goes to California. McDowell had hoped to arrange a meeting with the Sox GM.
”I haven`t talked with them,” Himes said. ”My philosophy is to let Al Goldis (player personnel director) handle all the signings. That`s what I did in California (where he held a simular post).”
Neil Allen will pitch a simulated game Friday. If he passes that test of his sore hamstring, he`ll probably be reactivated after the All-Star break. ”I`m ready to go,” Allen said.
