Special assignment scouts

When Dan Evans landed in Boston Thursday afternoon, it was his sixth city in seven days.

The former Dodgers general manager is now the right-hand man of Seattle GM Bill Bavasi. When and if the Mariners make a deal, Evans will have done the legwork.

Allard Baird and Galen Carr fill similar roles for the Red Sox. If the Sox pull the trigger on a deal in the coming days, you can bet the recommendations of Baird and Hall will have been weighed heavily. Carr has been watching the Rangers a lot lately -- first baseman Mark Teixeira, in particular -- as have many of the other contenders.

Behind every successful GM, there are top-notch advisers. For example, Pat Gillick has Charlie Kerfeld and Gordon Lakey in Philadelphia; Terry Ryan has Bill Smith in Minnesota; J.P. Ricciardi has Tony LaCava in Toronto; John Schuerholz has Frank Wrenn in Atlanta; and Bill Stoneman has Gary Sutherland in Anaheim.

Bill Lajoie, the longtime general manager of the Tigers who is now an adviser to Dodgers GM Ned Colletti, helped pull off what many consider to be the last really good trade in Boston, when he headed the Sox' GM-by-committee and acquired Josh Beckett and Mike Lowell from Florida in November 2005.

"We've gone through the process of identifying our needs and the players out there who can fill those needs," Lajoie said of the Dodgers. "Now it's a matter of seeing whether that player or players is available and whether we can match up on something with that team. Sometimes we go out and watch the players we're eyeing with no more than a 50-50 chance of that player even being available. But what you find is sometimes a player one club says isn't available, all of a sudden becomes available because circumstances change. That's why we've got to be ready."

As the July 31 trading deadline nears, the Rangers, White Sox, and Athletics appear to be sellers, according to the advisers we spoke to. While there's pessimism concerning big deals because of the reluctance of teams like the Red Sox and Yankees to trade top prospects, Lajoie believes a team won't be able to acquire a starting pitcher unless it is willing to part with an A-list youngster.

The Sox haven't been willing to trade Clay Buchholz or Jacoby Ellsbury, two names they've heard often from the White Sox, Rangers, and Braves in discussions for lefthander Mark Buehrle (who ended up re-signing with Chicago), Teixeira, and catcher-first baseman Jarrod Saltalamacchia, respectively.

While not admitting it, Evans was clearly in Boston looking at the White Sox' stable of starters -- specifically Jose Contreras, who took the loss Friday night. If the Mariners have to give up an A-list player, they have Jeff Clement, whom many consider the top catching prospect in baseball, and center fielder Adam Jones.

For Evans, the key to identifying the right player begins in spring training.

"I'm making a list of players who I think might become available by the trading deadline, and then following those players through the course of the season," he said. "I watch all 29 teams as often as I can, and once I pinpoint players, I stay with them to see whether there's a realistic chance a team will move them. Trying to weed through the fact and fiction is the toughest part. I saw a player recently who I thought would be terrific for our team, but the one thing he didn't have was postseason experience and I have to wonder whether he would be able to handle the limelight."

Evans and Lajoie say there are many factors to consider, including length of contract, salary, and what the other team is looking for. Evans said knowing how your opponent thinks and negotiates is half the battle. Also, having good knowledge of the other team's depth chart and farm system is a plus.

Evans says asking prices are extremely high now, but that likely will change. Lajoie agreed, but said this trading period is "the most closemouthed I've seen teams be. It seems that nobody wants it out that they're trying to trade a player because they understand the player they're trying to move might not be moved and they don't want hard feelings."

Evans says timing is everything in trades because the player acquired has to be able to fit in and add a spark. He said you have to project a player from what is usually a struggling team to a likely playoff team. In the cases of Jermaine Dye and Eric Gagne, who are rumored to be on the block, it's evident both can play under pressure. But if you're trading for a player with the Royals, Pirates, or Devil Rays, how do you know?

"The wild card has really changed the trade deadline because now teams tend to wait until the very last minute to make a deal," said Evans. "They don't want to give up too early because their fans are watching closely to see how they handle it, and most fans don't want their team to give up on the season."

So, who faces more pressure, the GM or the guy recommending a deal to the GM?

"The GM, no question," said Evans. "The pressure is there for everyone involved because it's a team thing, a group decision usually. If you're not prepared then the pressure is extreme, but if you know what you want and how to go about doing it, then that alleviates the pressure."

He's at home with the Braves

A few questions for Braves phenom Jarrod Saltalamacchia:

How does it feel to be one of the most sought-after players in baseball near the trading deadline?

JS: "It's always nice to be wanted. It beats the other way. I'm just enjoying my time up here and trying to make the best of it. I'm trying to improve in everything I do and just trying to add something positive to the team. I'll let the future sort itself out."

I know you played at Royal Palm Beach (Fla.) High and grew up with Kason Gabbard, who was coached by your agent, Jim Munsey. Kason was a senior when you were a freshman. Do you stay in touch and have you followed his career?

JS: "Absolutely. I always knew Kason would be a good major league pitcher. He threw a really strong game against us back in May, and I remember some of our hitters like Chipper [ Jones] coming back to the dugout saying, 'Man, that guy isn't even one of their regular pitchers?' Kason and I would often work out together, but last year I think he moved up closer to Fort Myers so we didn't, but we keep in touch on the phone. I saw the highlights of his game the other night [against Kansas City]. That was impressive."

It must have been eerie the other day when you heard the rumor in the clubhouse that you were being traded to Boston for Coco Crisp, Gabbard, and a minor league pitcher.

JS: "You just don't know what's real and what's fake now with all the Internet rumors, but that was out there for a while. That would have been strange being traded for Kason, but trade stuff is just something I can't believe until someone from the Braves or my agent tells me it's happened."

Is it tough in Atlanta knowing Brian McCann is a young catcher and he's signed long term?

JS: "No. I enjoy it here in Atlanta. At my age [22] I have no control over where I go until I become a free agent, so it's not something I really think about. I love to play. I love to catch, but I've enjoyed first base."

It's a full-time job keeping up with the candidates

It appears Robert Nutting, principal owner of the Pirates, will follow the path of the Orioles (with Andy MacPhail) and hire a CEO with a baseball/business background.

On a list of a dozen potential candidates last week in the Beaver County (Pa.) Times, three executives with Red Sox ties were mentioned -- current CEO Larry Lucchino, former Padres CEO and current Sox senior adviser Jeremy Kapstein, and former Sox general manager Dan Duquette. The job may turn into a CEO/GM combo, a la Dave Dombrowski in Detroit.

There's been no word from Nutting what the new hire might mean for GM Dave Littlefield and his staff. The Pirates haven't had a winning record in 15 years, and haven't been to a World Series in 28. Littlefield has been trying to build the only way you can with a limited budget -- through the farm system -- and the Pirates have a few very good prospects.

Pittsburgh acquired shortstop Cesar Izturis from the Cubs last week and sources indicate the Yankees and Red Sox have made inquiries about relievers Salomon Torres and Damaso Marte.

Lucchino, a Pittsburgh native, issued an emphatic e-mail response to speculation of his returning to Pittsburgh, where he and a group of investors attempted to purchase the Pirates a few years back.

"I love what I'm doing, where I am, and the people I am working with," Lucchino said. "Pittsburgh will always be my beloved hometown, but Boston is my home now."

On the managerial front, interim skippers Dave Trembley in Baltimore and Pete Mackanin in Cincinnati aren't producing Morgan Magic-like results. But the two have upgraded their teams' level of play.

Whether they will be long-term solutions remains to be seen. There are big-name candidates out there waiting for another shot. Ken Macha, who won 90 or more games three of four seasons in Oakland, stands out the most. Don Baylor and Davey Johnson have Baltimore ties, and Joe Girardi and Art Howe are available. One Reds insider told me that Mackanin has a great shot at returning because he's a low-priced option who is grateful to have a big league job. Girardi seems to be waiting for the bigger fish. If Yankees manager Joe Torre steps down or his contract is not renewed, Girardi would appear to be a top candidate.

Etc.

Touching the bases
Apropos of nothing: 1. I don't care that he struck out, but the 15-pitch (he fouled off nine two-strike pitches), nine-minute at-bat Carlos Guillen had against Johan Santana Wednesday night was the best I've seen this season; 2. Oh, gee. David Wells is working on a knuckleball; 3. President Bush predicted in a recent ESPN interview that the Tigers, and not the Red Sox, will win the American League pennant. Good thing or bad? 4. To be fair, one scout said last week that he's seen improvement in Pawtucket catcher George Kottaras's defense; 5. Bring back Kevin Millar. He's hitting well and the one thing the Red Sox could use right now is someone to loosen them up.

Kielty the right fit?
One player the Red Sox have been looking at is Oakland's Bobby Kielty, a switch hitter who has righthanded power. Kielty, according to his former manager, Ken Macha (note that the A's have really dropped this season after firing him), can provide "good righthanded power against lefthanded pitching." Kielty, who has hit .304 against lefties the last three seasons, however, is more of a corner outfielder, though he could play center in a pinch. He's been on the disabled list for much of the year with a calf injury but is healthy again. The Sox are exploring options for an extra outfielder who could supplant Wily Mo Peña as the righthanded bat off the bench. If it wasn't for his history here, Jay Payton would be another good option.

Error of their ways
A uniformed personnel with the Astros said the worst part of the season has been the team defense. "We just can't catch anything," he said. There's a great degree of uncertainty with the Astros. Much depends on the whims of owner Drayton McLane, who has issued votes of confidence to manager Phil Garner and general manager Tim Purpura and has said Brad Lidge and Roy Oswalt aren't for sale. Problem with that is "Oswalt and Lidge are the players you can acquire players to rebuild your team with," said the Astros source. "There are a few players we may deal like [Dan] Wheeler and [Chad] Qualls, but I think we're better off keeping them because then you know your bullpen is going to be solid in '08. Neither guy is going to bring you a player who's going to make an impact. They're worth more to us than they are anyone else."

When David Ortiz called Ron Jackson a couple of weeks ago, lamenting his poor hitting and lack of power, "Papa Jack" listened but politely declined his former star pupil's request to work with him and watch some video. Jackson works for the Astros organization (Triple A Round Rock) and felt it was improper to work with another organization's player. Ortiz has credited Jackson's tutelage for his turnaround from released platoon player in Minnesota to feared slugger.

The Yankees' love affair with Dodgers third baseman Wilson Betemit (a possible replacement for Alex Rodriguez) is odd considering they need a reliever more than anything. I asked an executive with another team how he would fix the Yankees at the trading deadline: "Damaso Marte [Pirates] from the left side and Octavio Dotel [Royals] from the right side. They need bullpen help. If they get it, they're going to make a run for the wild card."

The Red Sox haven't been the only contender with problems of late. The Angels have had their share of hitting woes and problems with pitching. So much so they sent once-prominent Ervin Santana (1-9 with an 8.79 ERA in 11 road starts) back to the minors. Their lineup is tied with the Royals for 28th in home runs, with only the Nationals hitting fewer. The beloved Orlando Cabrera, who many of us thought was the biggest All-Star snub, has really come back to earth. He went through an 0-for-17 streak and is 8 for 57 in July after hitting .385 in June. Beginning with this weekend's series in Minnesota, the Angels will have a better idea of what they're about with 26 games against the Twins, Red Sox, Tigers, Mariners, and A's.

We asked 10 baseball officials which AL team would win the pennant, and nine said the Tigers. The consensus was they had the best lineup, the best manager, and expected both Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya to give their bullpen a much-needed boost upon their returns. The other? The Yankees. His feeling, and the feeling of the majority of the other nine, was that the Yankees will continue to rise and capture the wild card.

Nick Cafardo can be reached at cafardo@globe.com.