Bucs deal Williams again, this time to Philadelphia

Pittsburgh got pitching prospect Frank Brooks in the deal.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- All-Star reliever Mike Williams reacted to being traded by the Pirates for the second time in three seasons much differently than he did in 2001.
Then, upon being dealt to Houston at the trading deadline, Williams was highly critical of the trade and the Pirates' unsettled approach to rebuilding following years of losing.
On Sunday, he welcomed being traded to Philadelphia for pitching prospect Frank Brooks, suggesting he's wearying of the persistent losing in Pittsburgh.
The Pirates are on course for a club-record 11th consecutive losing season.
Happy with trade
"The organization is in the same place it was when I got here [in 1998]," said Williams, an NL reliever in the last two All-Star games. "As a player, you want to win. The losing has been frustrating."
With the Phillies in contention for a wild-card spot, Williams is looking forward to possibly pitching again in the postseason.
"I'm not disappointed at all," Williams said.
The right-hander was a starter when he broke in with the Phillies in 1992 but didn't re-sign with them after going 6-14 with a 5.44 ERA in 1996. He later pitched for the Royals before signing with Pittsburgh in 1997 as a minor league free agent.
After being dealt to the Astros after nearly four seasons in Pittsburgh, he re-signed with the Pirates and had a club-record 46 saves in 50 chances in 2002. He has converted 25 of 30 save opportunities this season but has been much more inconsistent, with a 6.27 ERA that is more than three runs per game higher than his 2.93 ERA of last season.
With Jose Mesa closing in Philadelphia, Williams might return to the setup role he had during the final two months of the 2001 season with Houston.
Williams predicted there will be more trades to come as the July 31 trading deadline approaches, especially with general manager Dave Littlefield apparently unwilling to stay with the current mix of players.
"I know trades are coming and I'm not going to be the only one," Williams said.
Williams, who turns 35 on July 29, is making $3.2 million this season, with a club option of $4 million for 2004. His contract includes a $1.5 buyout next season if his club doesn't pick up the option.
Cutting payroll
The Pirates sent some cash to Philadelphia in a deal that helps pare the Pittsburgh's 2004 payroll.
Littlefield has been in active trade discussions with numerous teams with several weeks, and the Pirates' inability to climb into the NL Central race could hasten a deal or two.
Still, he hesitated to use the word rebuilding to describe how he plans to remake the Pirates.
"We're not showing signs like we're moving into the direction toward being a contender," Littlefield said. "I've got to be realistic about where we are. This is a club that hasn't won for 10 years and is [nine] games under .500."
Also being mentioned in trade talks are outfielders Kenny Lofton and Reggie Sanders and pitchers Jeff Suppan, Scott Sauerbeck and Kris Benson.
Outfielder Brian Giles also is in demand, with the Athletics especially interested.
Brooks, who is a marginal prospect, was 3-4 with nine saves and a 2.30 ERA in 34 relief appearances at Double-A Reading before being promoted recently to Triple-A Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.