JP Ricciardi, ESPN

I'm trying to talk some more baseball one of our favorite people around here regular on the big show. Part of the whiny awards now was one of them he's now one of us actually JP he's always been one of -- bring in GP Rashard hello JP. Failure I don't know we'll -- Larry Johnson Tommy current. Yeah -- I -- What's going on JP what's on your mind is nine days till the trading deadline.

I think it is going to be a lot of action I think it's for the stop -- an -- so they are the closer you get there with a -- that one week radius I think. Teams really put -- you know them the -- of the battle and say they we've got to go get something done because we've got a pretty good idea who we are what we are.

You don't last week when you're on I thought it was fascinating method bunch people text in certain. Are giving you compliments saying it was a great interview -- given us some insight into what it's like this time a year and the thing -- stuck with me since last week he said was. There with two weeks ago or thereabouts till the trading deadline when you walk in a clubhouse. It's just different you can feel the tension. With the uncertainty with the players and and this and that and and what I wanna ask you about his. It's interesting how some teams handled that better when it comes taken into the field. And not I don't know if the big market teams like the Mets Phillies and Red Sox are feeling that pressure sort of -- but they're certainly not playing well. As the -- trading deadline approaches.

Yeah well you know way -- that's a really good question our I think our younger team probably doesn't handle it as well as a veteran club I think the veterans have been -- before. They can even -- young kid you know off the legend column you know they -- you have to do just -- planned it you don't control -- just keep doing your job and you know concentrate on the things that you can't control which is how you go play but I have to believe that some of the younger kids that hear their names mentioned especially for the first time I'll probably a little schedule nervous at this at this point but this is really the worst week I -- from from the last. I think from Sunday coming up so local 31 that last week it's. Got it's it's not comfortable walking around guys -- it budgeted trying to short guys certain things I was just up a lot of tension around.

JP have you ever been any situations similar to the Red Sox were the trade deadline approaches. Then you don't really know what you're going to have for a team because you're waiting to get some players back.

I had a situation where we're really really banged up but we were out of it because we're so banged up but Vick case there within striking distance and Akinori and a lot of ways I think field is an unbelievable job this year -- being able how this club in contention with all the injuries that they sustained. It's still having to make a decision as to what could do. And who to bring back. Tito who's coming back fashion that we do so obviously he's got a piece of the -- you know what he does based not -- of who's coming back whether it's you know court girl -- slower so you know he if you got a pretty good idea. But I I I think it's safe to say that you know the Red Sox are gonna trade Casey Kelly and any of their really really good prospects. He because they know they're big part of what their future is going to be felt. I could see them -- it's a minor things. Addressed in the bullpen maybe even -- bats somewhere I don't really think you -- see that brought above and beyond you know Buick Open crazy.

When you're a team like the Red Sox. And you have the expectations that come at the beginning every every year from the media from the fan base. From the players who have signed up for this program. How difficult is it. Who wave what's good for the team presently and what's good for the future in the way it's gonna play in that locker room if he kinda stand.

Well I think most of these these guys that they have a backlog of a score Rose to know trait that drew. They're veteran guys they know -- so we think that just outside the field here that made. -- he injure are up that this told he would be banged up the way it is probably figured one or two guys would get. Nicked up -- vacant analysts look -- you know internally but you lose Spokane starting catchers. -- a lot to get Lowry back to big boost -- And and I think they keep getting guys back. The majority of this club is such a better club that they understand certain things that it just everybody -- that. They're gonna try to address every possible injury that that -- no no one's able to do that no -- has enough resources to do and really no one. Has enough prospect would be able to do that and then you have to think about what these guys to come back whenever you play everybody so. I think the veterans on that club -- enough to realize especially want to -- obviously PO do some very very real really good things. I had the trading deadlines so they know -- Nick Carter and and they got a pretty good idea what's going our.

Is there an -- JP also I should particularly the better of knowing that whatever you do or don't do with the trading deadline as a general managers ago -- pull the strings you gonna have to articulate why you did what she did. And defend your position how difficult could that be. As a Tom with a -- to fall after the trade deadline comes.

Well -- I think you know we although the market that Boston has you know you do damned if you do when you're damned if you don't -- so. I think you have to do what's best for the organization. And I take it -- get a hold of the Red Sox fans should know that don't want to win more than than they ownership group in more than PO. And his entire staff so I don't think they haven't have to put their head of a coordinate thicker net all the sort of professional care about what because they built. But you know it right and wrong about. I'm going about it and they are really make up out of move that you -- just sacrificing a lot of -- future. Would be the right thing to do what I don't think he could they be happy about that.

You said when your approach -- trade deadline that you could you wouldn't give Robert Kelly and players are all of that level. Do you so you have a game plan going in as to what you wanna do with a trade deadline and do you find you usually don't deviate from that unless something surprises you.

While that there's always exceptions to every world they beat the great Bill Parcells quote I reserve the right -- mind that the gulf cup I think you know that. That could play with any type of prospect you're dealing with but. And are you think about Casey Kelly good chance to be a number two and a mystery and rotation. You've got -- Iglesias got a chance to be an everyday shortstop place for a long time we are gonna move those caught ballplayers because at the end. Deputy going to be looking Faulk are going forward we are to have them in the system that close to get into the big leagues. It would really take it into an enormous. Opportunity. For a truck anybody could could move those type of player and if you look really gave the young players to the want to work it will.

You know it's instinct JP are you talking about I think about the last couple years. And the big name prospects that have been moved. You and your writing usually is something extraordinary for example. The Brewers decided they were buyers and they traded not report are always on everybody's list. As one of the top prospects in baseball we still don't know where he's gonna become a bad trade for at least a rental was more than worth it I mean seventeen starts. For CC sabathia Milwaukee you let him to the playoffs at seven -- got thrown games but it is the rare trade. When that top prospect from your organization this time in years traded.

Well I also think it's a ripple. Where did you get TC should they if this 71 restart -- bet that's pretty special immediately talk about getting someone that. Change. A hole had great at that point and you know he we give you get the -- that match about they've got old -- guys like that. -- old walk in -- Padraig not only this year but next guess so. They all come with different. Different degrees of of what the risk is so if you are gonna fire prospect and you get a chance to grab a piece -- yeah. And you're real close. You know I think that's one that really kept the deal toward -- betrayed.

Deals are on the West Coast with the Red Sox and see. I don't think their four game our series who can categorize it anywhere wanting to get some wins bomb. I know you don't speak for Theo but. Can you tell us about. Your time as a GM did you want to leading up to the trade like be with your team if they were on a road trip like this what you wish we read into the field with the team. As a trade deadline approaches.

All feel personally don't always kind but I wanted to be with the team what this would definitely one of them because obviously humbled gonna happen you won't be able well. To be right get a handle situations be able deal with a player being able to do -- again. -- be able to handle what the staff and everybody like that so. So be with the club I would say right now. You probably get 80% of mud -- had just traveling with the club sit there on the road. I -- read -- and it's of that outside of the fact that you know these -- would be doing the smart thing. You know -- there are you guys that won't -- travel with the team but I I think the guys that I talked to in the last week or so big that pretty much all what they're called.

Logistically JP. How does this week kind of a -- this week are actually the next you know nine days or so. And you with the cell phone do you hear the Blackberry in hand -- point 47 or do you already have some trade partners. And would be some possibilities lined up.

I I think all of those things you know. I think isn't this mystique out there that. You know. That can't be second visit traded talked about it it really doesn't work like that I think you've got the parameters doubt facility enjoy want to talk to always have used all the available people are calling. But it's not Blake you know Alec you're running a bookie joint that folder. And you know you you gotta juggle six -- You know you you'd -- pretty lecture on the control where it gets crazy is. The last few days but all of a sudden to a three of these things are coming together and you are on the economy -- a week. We moved Scott Rolen at the deadline and African fax machine would work we couldn't get -- that the that the commissioner's office because he had a sign up on the no trade. And you know it would we literally with ten seconds ago got into the commissioner's office saw the trade you know had to beat. -- special. Compensation from the commissioner that extent the times so did a lot of crazy things that happened the last few minutes if you have a budget stuff going on but. You know all these GM to talk to each other there's a lot of stuff going Bronx. And and the next week is when he got to start seeing guys asleep wherein we're outdated but -- pushing things don't sort of forefront of the Tibet Burma.

Let me ask you about Connecticut thing among GMs if you're halfway down the road are actually you know the back of the church -- about to go down in the Iowa one deal. And then somebody comes -- knocked out front has a new deal. Do you sometimes. Say you know what we've put a lot of work in on this even if it's maybe even mismanaged better in the deal your vote to do. And because you have to deal with these people waiter stick with what you've got how do you know how would you operate when you inevitably must have gone through something similar.

Yeah you know that the great questions and then obviously you have to do what's best for your club. And if it means that you have to -- someone to get the joke about the hall clerk Soviet I mean at this point this is this is kinda. You know cut throat times and it's it's not I don't know I think everybody had they had to do it a professional manner. A -- I would always try to do -- health club. In addition use clear case for example -- say -- but should we -- interest from another club to move this split who have. You guys get waitress we're gonna go with the best offer we get and whatever the best soccer is we're gonna stay with that they'll write a police had so. You try to lay the groundwork that. And no one's ever happy when it happened structure but you know he's still have to do the best -- you think. Actually a club if everything is being equal you probably go to guy that you put the most work did because you probably have a better background on -- The new. I had that happen to -- pathetic I will -- really close to get it done and then also about the nowhere you know another team came and podium though you know it's part of the business. That it's not fun but the only control whether.

But -- point you understand it from the other side or do you. Like building relationships is -- I mean well.

Some guys do I think some guys do some guys don't but I think his track record in the history of how you go about these things is rarely what determined. If there's any less dig up. Ramifications from a that you're going to be any worse for the most part Troy deals. And and you explain this -- they look I just got about Iraq or you know -- but you know what would you do pure in this situation and they'll most got a life so why -- the -- I wanna do Scott. You know you'd have to do what's best and and didn't get I think mostly guys just get the guys for the most part.

Is it also hotter with the modern technology and people twittering you can shape for the guy and say listen let's sleep on it meant enough -- your pop -- about the player again in the morning -- before you know Hornets on ESPN 11 o'clock news. In here you're trying to keep it away from the player that you're discussing it.

Larry Hughes broke Romo -- you know actually brought it.

yeah I'm mad -- them.

Beauty you you gotta get it done because you know what this so many things they can happen. And you and I tell there was no one week's subject you're up the whole night worried about you know -- old I guess some got to come along -- they gonna get a better offer. We doing the right thing you're better off just get it done and I found that waiting only brings on more what -- from everybody.

Somebody tells us another whereas somebody else is standing at the Yalta.

Well yet it will -- you're you're -- on May change his mind your own a may all of a sudden that is. -- son who says his friend told him he's the best player the only guy we can't trade this guy. Gary you call Calero and you can't trade this guy like let's -- purple.

Honestly dizzy teamed with with a yeah yeah -- give holiday let them up. --

I. So take us down to the end this week again JP because you've been there. I'm curious say this again -- Tommy -- of questions and all of ours here on the phones and things are going on as the deadline approaches as any deals are being made. As the deadline approaches you start getting wind of things being done so all of a sudden you're on a phone. Your teams contending. And you need to see your report unconfirmed or confirm that a contender to the rays in the Yankees are about to make a deal. How does that affect your conversations with people.

Well ha -- you're economically obviously it intersection greatly and they cannot another planet you know really -- you -- sight out of mind you know -- distorted literal business. I think the biggest thing is you've got to let your players know. -- you are out there try to disrupt the players know what you need and you know what it needed character try to get those type of guys for. You know 44 that even you know I think I've been not only as a general manager but also let. You know are right in mantra for Sandy Alderson Billy beat I was the guy out there looking at all these players that we'll wait and make -- and you know I've been in one airport -- to get shifted to another place to dump all the -- so. It it it's honestly it's the -- the most fun week. I think in baseball -- from a proper steps are what your scouting -- you're the general manager. It's crazy but what it's all said that it you really effective while that that would be great -- other.

One quick question away from that per minute that David Ortiz is not -- have done that much since the All-Star game I know we're still early but. Have you found that as a rule that players who participate in the home run hitting contest does it mess them up tomorrow.

I I don't really know to be honest project be light -- that it would just be an educated guess I think most of the times -- solid guys just. -- it takes a little bit out of them. I think the All-Star game in general the way they've they've big. Trotted out now it takes a lot of these guys they get in there they have the you know the parade didn't go home run hitting contest they have a lot of functions. So just in general I think the All-Star game itself takes a lot of these players. So you know I gotta believe even participating that would take up the idea.

JP before we let you go since you've been -- again and you've been on the phone and made the deals. I'm just curious -- mind you before court names and I'm just curious your opinion what do you think these guys will be dealt or not Prince Fielder.

5050 that the sit on offense but I could just. I think that the big -- so ominously that -- fifty decent Morris. I believe he's --

About Danny Haren. Out of Arizona -- has said he'll listen to offers wants to stay out there clearly a guy who could tip the division pitching wise not at least gone. Yeah they don't really. Oh and -- Oswald coming out. It team that he gets him pretty much just be a big market team all the Cardinals are in play you gotta pay about seven million for the rest of this year. Sixteen million for next year. 'cause it's -- back problems and he's making rumblings that he wants another -- another year at sixteen million dollars is a lot of baggage with him isn't there.

Well I think what he's doing is he he goes a little bit the driver's seat here so obviously he's you know -- little bit sad that don't you think that you want. I'll let it -- which hit the child pure talent you have to spend another year -- Houston are you go to Saint Louis and just -- that last year. Company's -- wanna stay in -- so I think that a little bit of luck. Maneuvering going on May be free agents have to have but because he had joked he'll take a move that -- about a used to because the back went for copy as though that's so. You wanna go -- we get a chance to win it be great baseball -- that and then take chances after that.

ESP n.'s JP maturity reporting that Oswalt goes into the Cardinals yeah -- I. JP thanks -- time is always. I our nation every day period Chinese too -- he doesn't have anything to say -- when an easy got to talk to run. It is interesting when you did that and I Tom -- you do this before you remember on some front office 'cause I think on this radio station. When you get there without many start asking the questions and and here they're thinking you know they'd been there yeah essentially hear from them. Yeah -- because says hello works I mean within its not a new -- The sports -- Bob -- remember we -- book with Terry political forty minutes yes for book about 48 minutes along cast. This kid while Ryan's name came up I got to give credit words -- we got on our heated debate about him being free agency Ryan's the one who brings up the target team. Philosophy I just stole that so I plagiarized on that -- no nothing is ever knew how to. Before he could. So according to -- themselves. -- have Ryan believes -- target teams are good for the NBA in history tells us. That he's right now it's JD your charting Tommy current Larry Johnson Butch Stearns were back on the big show after this.