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On the clock Palmeiro vetoes trade to Cubs, will think it overPosted: Friday August 08, 2003 7:55 PMUpdated: Friday August 08, 2003 8:36 PM
TORONTO (AP) -- Texas Rangers first baseman Rafael Palmeiro needs more time to decide whether he'll accept a trade to the Chicago Cubs. "I'll take a few days and figure out what I'm going to do," Palmeiro said Friday before the Rangers' game at Toronto. Palmeiro used his no-trade clause to block a deal to Chicago before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. He cleared waivers Tuesday and the Rangers approached him again about the trade. Texas gave Palmeiro until noon Thursday to make a decision. Rangers manager Buck Showalter said Friday the deal is off because Palmeiro told him Thursday he wouldn't accept a trade. "In fairness to [GM] Jim Hendry and the Cubs, who have been very patient, I asked Raffy, 'How about 12 noon yesterday?"' Showalter said. "Finally, I called Raffy in after batting practice and said, 'You know, I need to get back to John and Jim. I need to know now.'" Palmeiro said Friday he needs more time. "I'd prefer to stay, but a decision hasn't been made," Palmeiro said. "I'm leaning toward staying here. I definitely want to stay." "It takes time. It's my right to think it over." Palmeiro said it would be nice to join a contenting team, but that he has to think about his family. "It's hard. I've been here five years. I love the organization. I love the Rangers," said Palmeiro, who didn't think his image would be damaged by turning down a trade. Palmeiro, eligible for free agency after the season, entered Friday's game against Toronto hitting .251 with 28 home runs and 79 RBIs. He hit his 500th home run earlier this season. The Rangers have also been trying to trade Juan Gonzalez, but the outfielder used his no-trade clause to block a deal to Montreal. |
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