THE UNTOUCHABLES : Players on Losing Teams That Contenders Want, but Can’t Get

CHICAGO —  Like Al Capone, general managers of pennant contending teams are after the “Untouchables.”

It is that time of the season when teams that can smell a championship are scouring the waiver wire looking for that one player who can take their club to a flag.

But like Eliot Ness, the general managers of teams that are out of the race aren’t about to let their “untouchables” loose. Instead, they are willing to give up another good player in exchange for some minor leaguers or young players with promise.

The trading deadline without waivers expired on July 31 but that is a mere smokescreen. If a team is willing to make a deal, it usually can get around any waiver hurdles and make a deal.

Larry Himes, general manager of the Chicago White Sox, has a team that has been out of contention for months and is aware of the offers.

“Trading deadline? There isn’t a trading deadline anymore. We’ve been approached about some of our players, but we wanted to wait until later in the season in August,” says Himes. “You know you can get a lot more in return for one of your players if another team feels it is one player away from winning it all.”

As a result, Toronto, the New York Yankees and even some National League teams are very familiar with Himes’ phone number at Comiskey Park.

They know he has a veteran catcher in Carlton Fisk who has been unhappy with the Sox for the past two years. They also know he has two prized starters, Richard Dotson and Floyd Bannister, who could be had for some minor league prospects.

Two years ago, Fisk, Dotson and Bannister would have been considered “untouchables.” The Sox failures the past two years shifted the trio from that category to the “touchables.”

The most talked-about player that might head toward a contending team is Pittsburgh starter Rick Reuschel. The burly right-hander has been on the non-contending Pittsburgh Pirates and is considered a perfect candidate to go to a contending team and help that club win a pennant.

But Pirate General Manager Syd Thrift says despite all the offers for the veteran, he isn’t about to give Reuschel away for nothing. He did make a deal with San Francisco, shipping Don Robinson to the Giants. More deals could be forthcoming.

Like the White Sox, San Diego has been out of the race all season. Also like the Sox, they have some pitching to spare. San Diego’s wheeler-dealer general manager, Jack McKeon, earlier swung a seven-player trade with the contending San Francisco Giants. He might also be busy in the coming weeks dealing for the future for his club.

There could be a lot of swaps before the Sept. 1 date in which clubs must declare their eligible rosters for post-season play. The tight race in the AL West plus the fact no team is running away with the pennant could increase activity in the coming weeks.

Here is a look at what some of the non-contenders have to offer the contenders and who is likely to remain on the “untouchable” list:

NATIONAL LEAGUE

ATLANTA -- Pitcher Rick Mahler has been inconsistent but is a veteran starter; same with reliever Gene Garber. Ted Simmons could be a big pinch-hitter for a contender. Untouchable: Dale Murphy.

CHICAGO -- Pitcher Scott Sanderson has fallen in a bad light in Dallas Green’s mind and could help a contender. Bob Dernier, a veteran outfielder, is also late season trade bait. Untouchables: Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg and Shawon Dunston.

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers in uncharacteristic spot of non-contender. Pitcher Bob Welch could be a boon to a pitching-hungry team. Outfielder Ken Landreaux is also versatile veteran. Untouchables: Fernando Valenzuela, Orel Hershiser, Pedro Guerrero.

PHILADELPHIA -- Kent Tukulve veteran near end of career but can help in bullpen along with Tom Hume. Greg Gross also valuable pinch-hitter. Untouchables: Mike Schmidt (even though he is eligible for free agency), Von Hayes and Steve Bedrosian.

PITTSBURGH -- In addition to Reuschel, R. J. Reynolds or Sid Bream could go for bench punch. Untouchables: Barry Bonds, Andy Van Slyke.

SAN DIEGO -- Pitchers Andy Hawkins, Eric Show, Storm Davis and Goose Gossage have constantly been mentioned in trade talks. Untouchable: Tony Gwynn.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

BALTIMORE -- Like Padres, O’s have pitchers Mike Flanagan and Scott McGregor to help. Unlikely a deal involving Eddie Murray would be made in late-season. Untouchable: Cal Ripken Jr.

BOSTON -- Bob Stanley has been mentioned for bullpen help to other clubs. Untouchables: Wade Boggs, Ellis Burks, Jim Rice.

CHICAGO -- Dotson, Bannister, Bob James out of pen. Gary Redus, Fisk. Untouchables: Harold Baines, Greg Walker, Ken Williams, Ozzie Guillen.

CLEVELAND -- Tribe has little pitching help but Mel Hall, Brett Butler or even Pat Tabler might be available. Untouchables: Joe Carter and Cory Snyder.