BASEBALL Player agent is big man at talks

Teams discussed whether to change the July 31 deadline for making deals without waivers.
KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. (AP) -- Scott Boras leaned back against an enormous arrangement made from hundreds of pink roses, breathed in and liked the smell.
His view this offseason is pretty sweet, too.
Because in the baseball world, he might be the biggest impact player right now, representing Carlos Beltran, Adrian Beltre, Magglio Ordonez and several other prime free agents.
"I've heard from all teams, I've talked to all teams," Boras said Tuesday, standing in the hotel lobby where the general managers meetings were being held.
Agenda
While GMs debated moving back the July 31 trade deadline, reshaping the Arizona Fall League and other procedural topics, their real business never strayed very far from players.
And along with that talented trio of hitters, Boras is the agent for J.D. Drew, Derek Lowe, Jason Varitek and Kevin Millwood.
"He's got a very special class," New York Mets GM Omar Minaya said.
Beltran might seek a 10-year deal following his phenomenal postseason with Houston, and Beltre may look for something similar after his MVP-caliber year with Los Angeles.
Ordonez, if he proves he's healed after knee surgery, could command a healthy contract. The four-time All-Star outfielder played only 52 games for the Chicago White Sox this year because of knee trouble.
Posturing
Ordonez walked through the hotel during the day, on his way to a meeting. At next month's winter meetings in Anaheim, Calif., he'll probably go through running drills for teams that are interested.
"People just want to see that he's healthy," Boras said.
Coming off Boston's win in the World Series, Varitek wants to catch onto a five-year deal. Lowe also is well positioned after winning the clinching game in the first round of the playoffs, the ALCS and the World Series.
Only a few teams might be willing to spend the kind of money Boras' guys want. Of course, the New York Yankees are at the top of that list, despite any rumblings that they're worried about a $200 million budget.
"This is my 24th year of doing this, and the Yankees' payroll has been 'dangerously high' 24 of 24," Boras said. "They've been the Goliath of the game, and I don't expect their position to change."
Conversation topic
Which would put them in perfect position to get Beltran, a five-tool center fielder. The Yankees already have Bernie Williams playing that position -- he's another Boras client.
Not to worry, the agent said.
"That's something between Carlos and Bernie," Boras said. "That's something they've talked about and dealt with."
Their conversation took place during the season, Boras said, and he did not reveal the details or whether that meant the Yankees were the front-runners to sign Beltran.
So many potential moves this winter revolve about where top free agents might go, with Pedro Martinez, Nomar Garciaparra, Troy Glaus and Carl Pavano among those available. While the winter meetings usually produce more action, there's a chance some big-name players could move before that session Dec. 10-13.
Boras would not mention any interested owners or particular suitors for his players. Until Friday, teams can only talk money with their own free agents.
Deadline issue
Come next month, there could be several trades. For now, teams talked about whether to change the July 31 deadline for making deals without waivers -- it can be tricky, though St. Louis was able to get Larry Walker from Colorado in early August.
Atlanta GM John Schuerholz, Milwaukee assistant Gord Ash and several others are fine with that date. Yankees GM Brian Cashman, who has made his share of late deals for the postseason push, would like to see it moved back. No formal vote was taken, though there could be some sentiment for making it Aug. 15.