Then look in the minors. RHP Dennis Tankersley, who had an 0.52 ERA in the California League and is called "our best pitching prospect" by Towers. He was acquired from the Red Sox for Ed Sprague. One of their best positional prospects, OF Ben Johnson, was picked up from St. Louis in dumping Carlos Hernandez's contract.

"We know we still have a way to go, and we're always on a building curve," says Towers. "In another year, we could have Sean Burroughs at third, Nevin at first, Klesko in left, Crespo at second. We have a lot to build on." Former California All-America Xavier Nady, who is hitting .328 with eight HR in the Southern League, will also be tried at second.

Few general managers have done a better job slashing payroll while trying to build for the opening of the ballpark. Few general managers are more popular with their peers than Towers. "Smallest ego in baseball," says one AL general manager. "He hires strong people around him. He's honest to a fault."

As the Wells turns
As of Saturday morning, the Mets had not yet discussed names with the White Sox about David Wells, who after multiple incidents this past week has greased his skids out of Chicago.

"When we talked to Ken Williams on Monday, he wanted to wait, but I think he's changed his stance," says one GM. "He wants to move Wells, James Baldwin (13 BB, 6 K, not one three strikeout start), (Chris) Singleton and Herbert Perry as quickly as possible. But he wants a young positional player for Wells."

Here's another concern -- while Wells' curveball is still good, he's 38 years old, and he's 8-11, 4.80 with 10 quality starts in 26 outings since the 2000 All-Star break. He's got two herniated discs in his back. In addition, if a team doesn't pick up next year's option, there's a buyout that puts the four-month obligation at between $7 and $8 million.

The Astros have no interest -- not at Enron Field, not at the money. The Cardinals, Mets, Red Sox and a couple of other teams like the Phillies have made feelers.The Mets will not trade Alex Escobar; if the White Sox will take pitcher Pat Strange and a lesser prospect, maybe.

More Mets' moves?
The Mets, meanwhile, have tried talking to other clubs about John Vander Wal, Roger Cedeno and other bats. "What we have to figure out is where we are going to be in two weeks, and how well we're playing," says a Mets source.

The win Friday against Florida could be important (their first three-game winning streak), though the Marlins came back to win Saturday. There's no underestimating the importance of Al Leiter (the Mets were 6-3 after his return) and there are signs that Edgardo Alfonzo and Todd Zeile are starting to hit.

Now Mike Piazza has to get going (through May 25, he was 7 for his last 57).

More deals and steals

"What's so frustrating about all this is that we are not this bad," says Williams. "I don't want to hear any excuse about how many players we've lost for the season (seven). But for those people who didn't think we'd really miss Frank Thomas -- even putting aside his production, the fact that we are dead last in on-base percentage tells you how much he rubs off on everyone else. We're not the same team without him. Now, the rest of the team should play better, but Frank is sorely missed."

Draft notes

The Twins still aren't certain on whether or not they will select USC RHP Mark Prior or St. Paul Cretin HS C Joe Mauer with the first pick in the draft on June 5. Indications are they will see if they can get Prior signed, and if they can't, take Mauer, who, like Cretin grad Chris Weinke, is signed to play quarterback at Florida State. The Cubs, drafting second, will take whoever is there between Prior and Georgia Tech 3B Mark Teixeira -- preferably Prior. Tampa Bay will likely take Middle Tennessee RHP Dewon Brazelton, the Phillies are looking at high school RHP Gavin Floyd of Baltimore, leaving Texas with either Mauer or Teixeira, depending on Minnesota's choice. Tampa, Kansas City and others are fascinated by South Carolina HS outfielder Roscoe Crosby, a big-time wide receiver signed with Clemson. Crosby has hired Eugene Parker -- Deion Sanders' agent -- to represent him. Even though this is considered heavily a high school pitching draft, there are very good college positional players expected to go in the first round. OF John VanBenschoten of Kent is expected to go anywhere from sixth to 11th. Others among the high picks: Tennessee SS-2B Chris Burke; LSU 2B Mike Fontenot; Tulane 3B Jake Gautreau; Long Beach State SS Bobby Crosby; and Southern 2B Michael Woods Houston HS RHP Josh Baker, Lance Berkman's brother-in-law, could go in the second or third round. Baker is the son of former Oiler Johnny Baker, and nephew of former Yankees and Orioles SS Frank Baker. His sister Cara married Berkman. Then there's a newcomer into the scene named Jason Bulger, a 23-year old converted outfielder for Valdosta State with arm strength that could go into the third or fourth round. It seems his father moved south from Boston, prompting questions about any knowledge of the whereabouts of infamous crime boss Whitey Bulger. Cuban defector and left-handed pitcher Rolando Vierra may be ready to begin working out for teams in two or three weeks. Vierra was a solid starter for Industriales and was considered one of the three best pitchers in Cuba, along with Jose Contreras and fireballing 20-year old Naels Rodriguez, who has consistently clocked in the 98-100 mph range.

Thursday, the Phish let it be known that they didn't appreciate Shinjo swinging away on a 3-0 pitch with his team leading 11-3. Bobby Valentine has always allowed hitters to think they can always hit 3-0, with the philosophy that pitchers don't stop throwing curveballs up 10-0. Then when Brad Penny drilled Shinjo Friday and Zeile screamed at Penny on his trip around the bases after hitting a homer, it got a little testy. Turk Wendell, who loves these scrums, was clicking 92 mph on the radar gun when he came in after the benches emptied.