Mark

Sweeney

He would have made a nice acquisition at the trade deadline. Many contenders could have used his potent bat off the bench.

It was likely a team that wanted to block a trade involving Sweeney to a competitor. Sweeney, who is widely regarded as one of the game’s best pinch-hitters, will remain with the Rockies for the balance of the season.

“The interest is mutual,” agent Barry Axelrod said.

Brad Hawpe could come back to the majors if Sweeney is disabled.

A couple of his hits were cheap, with one getting lost in the sun. Still, Sweeney deserves some luck after spending too much time on the bench this year. he had one more RBI today than Shea Hillenbrand has in 13 games for the Giants. Sweeney is a better choice than Hillenbrand to start against right-handers, just as he was an upgrade over Lance Niekro before Hillenbrand was acquired. He has more than 100 points of OPS on Hillenbrand versus righties, not to mention one more RBI in 79 fewer at-bats.

The Mets may go above and beyond what the Padres are willing to pay. If so, GM Kevin Towers will likely just re-sign Robert Fick. The Padres are also trying to keep free agents Pedro Astacio and Rudy Seanez and have made Astacio an offer.

Nevin could be headed to the DL with a rib injury, but even then Sweeney would still only be a part-time player with Xavier Nady and Robert Fick around.

With Chad Harville on the mound, Brad Ausmus threw to Adam Everett as Jackson headed for second, but Sweeney took off for home at just the right moment and Everett’s throw back to Ausmus was off the mark.

With Phil Nevin catching, Sweeney will likely get enough playing time at first base against right-handers to have some value in NL-only leagues. He has a 942 OPS in 140 at-bats.

It’s the first trade between the two rivals in 22 years. Sweeney will take over as the Dodgers’ top pinch-hitter, suggesting that the struggling Olmedo Saenz could be on the way out. He won’t play in the field much at all, but he’s about as good as anyone in the game off the bench. The Giants will call up Dan Ortmeier to replace him.