Gilkey Kills 'Zona, Bucs Deal

Despite the laser eye surgery he underwent last September, Bernard Gilkey couldn't see himself in a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform.

The Arizona outfielder refused a restructuring of his contract on Tuesday, killing a trade that would have sent him to the Pirates for infielder Tony Womack and outfielder Al Martin.

The decision had nothing to do with money. Gilkey just wanted to stay with the Diamondbacks.

"There's no knock against the Pittsburgh organization or anything like that," Gilkey said. "This choice was made for me and the benefit of my family, and the possibility of taking us to postseason."

Gilkey, 32, talked about the Diamondbacks' struggles he saw after he was traded to Arizona by the New York Mets last July 31. He watched in anticipation as the Diamondbacks spent $118.9 million on free agents in the off-season, building a pitching rotation that's one of the best in baseball.

He also knew of the trades Pittsburgh had made to bring in outfielders in the off-season.

"I think the outfield is a little more crowded in Pittsburgh," Gilkey said. "I did what I felt was best for me and my family and what we would enjoy. I wanted to be in a nice atmosphere and I want to be around a team that's moving in the right direction."

Diamondbacks' general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. was disappointed but somewhat flattered.

"I think you're always disappointed when you wor on a deal and it doesn't go together," Garagiola said. "But in one sense I can't be unhappy about a player who says `Look, I see all the things you're doing and I want to be a part of that."'

The collapse of the deal left the Diamondbacks still searching for a leadoff hitter and some much-needed speed. Garagiola was on the phone about other possible trades Tuesday afternoon.

Gilkey was in a position to veto the trade because the remaining two years of his contract needed to be restructured before the Diamondbacks would go through with the deal. Gilkey is due $11 million for the next two years, with half of the money deferred.

The Diamondbacks were willing to pay the deferred amount, but Gilkey had to sign off on some changes in the details.

"Both clubs did a lot of work on this," Pirates' general manager Cam Bonifay said. "Arizona did a lot of work with their player, but he decided he didn't want to take the deal that was presented."

Martin is not happy with the prospect of spending a season as a Pirates' reserve, and Womack's status as second baseman is in jeopardy because Pittsburgh signed free agent Pat Meares to play shortstop and planned to switch Mike Benjamin to second.

Bonifay indicated the Pirates would look elsewhere to make a trade.

"If the opportunity presents itself, and we felt we could get quality players and it was a situation where it might help out, we might (make a trade)," Bonifay said. "If not, we'll get together with (owner) Kevin McClatchy and see where he wants to go."

Gilkey hit. 248 with just five RBI in 29 games with Arizona after being acquired in a trade that sent Jorge Fabregas and Willie Blair to the Mets. For the season, he hit .233 with five homers and 33 RBI, far below his standout 1996 season, when he hit .317 with 30 homers and 117 RBI.

He says he's seeing things more clearly since the laser surgery, and hopes that will translate into better hitting.

"I think the clarity is there," Gilkey said. "I think the focus on the baseball is there, like picking up the spin of the ball. It's definitely a big plus for me."

Gilkey likely won't stay in left field. The Diamondbacks plan to use Luis Gonzalez there, shifting Gilkey to right.

"I feel like I'm athletic enough to make the adjustment," Gilkey said. "It's going to be something new, but it's just another challenge, another page in the book, and I'm ready to accept the challenge."

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