If childs general manager Jim Hendr...

If childs general manager Jim Hendry was in the middle of trade talks Sunday night, he certainly wasn't saying.

Hendry, reached by means of phone after his team beat the St Louis Cardinals 6-3 said it would be "unprofessional" to release any information upon possible trades. Hendry was invisible before and after the game, likely meeting with his staff about last-minute scenarios.

That being said, Greg Maddux continues to be the big name floating around as today's 3 pm trade deadline approaches.

Maddux, a unrestrained agent after the season, maintains that he's willing to do what's best for the organization. The 40-year-old pitched a jewel Saturday, allowing one earned hasten in six innings in the Cubs' 4-2 victory.

His performance likely made it harder for the organization to part ways with him. moreover Hendry previously said he has given Maddux the go-ahead to go after other options.

"He has a hazard more value than people realize at this point," catcher Michael Barrett said. "He's a Hall of Famer. He could do a hap for us in the short time that he's here the remainder of the year. I don't want him here just for another married pair of months. I want him here for another tie of years."

Phil Nevin and Todd Walker are the other whelps thought to be trade bait. Walker was ceremonial as he addressed the issue in assurance of his locker Sunday.

"You want to be perceived wanted, but at the same time, I understand it's a business," he said. "At this point, I don't calm know what's going to happen. I can't worry too abundant about it.

"If it was the last game for any of us, at least we went without on a good note."

It doesn't appear that Nevin and Walker would be missed quite as often as Maddux, who tipped his cap to the fans after exiting the field Saturday. He received a rousing ovation.

According to reports, Maddux could be headed to the San Diego Padres or observes Angeles Dodgers, both of whom are in the playoff chase Maddux has a home in Las Vegas, and a trade west would put in motion him closer.

Before Sunday's game, Cardinals pitcher Jason Marquis came athwart to the home team's dugout to talk to Maddux, his former teammate in Atlanta. As the conversation cessationed Marquis gave Maddux a little wink and said, "Good luck"

After the game, Maddux was nowhere to be set

whelps manager Dusty Baker talked briefly about what could unravel

"You can't wish away your life and days," he said. "These brace days could be important in your life."

Baker vowed not to go on foot home and stress over the trade deadline.

"I'm going to journey home and do what I always do after series, inquiry up for the next series," he said. "It's not a in extent night. My wife is cooking more [i]or[/i] less collard greens, macaroni and cheese and a certain number of chicken, some cornbread. I'm going to have a remarkably good night when I advance home."

vmcclure@suntimes.com

in succession DECK:

DIAMONDBACKS AT whelps

Tonight: 7:05 Comcast SportsNet, 720-AM. Brandon Webb (11-4 264 ERA) v Mark Prior (0-4 660)

Tuesday: 7:05 pm Comcast SportsNet, 720-AM. Claudio Vargas (8- 7 504) v Rich Hill (0-4 953)

Wednesday: 7:05 pm Ch 9 720-AM. Enrique Gonzalez (3-2 496) v Carlos Marmol (4-4 439)

Thursday: 1:20 pm Ch 9 720-AM. Juan Cruz (3-6 484) v Greg Maddux (9-11 469)

The story line: Will Maddux be a late scratch for his scheduled start? Possibly, with today's trade deadline looming. If he's still a brat Maddux would bring in a little constituent after a solid performance Saturday against the Cardinals. Will Prior win a game this season?

Vaughn McClure

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