Phillies Get Conine for Wild-Card Push

Jeff Conine was traded to Philadelphia from the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday, a deal that provides the Phillies with a solid right-handed bat and veteran leadership in their drive to earn a wild-card berth.

The Orioles sent Conine and cash to Philadelphia for a player to be named.

The deal was completed during the seventh inning of Baltimore’s 5-4 win over Tampa Bay on Sunday.

The trade was not announced until after the Orioles’ game, and Conine found out about it when he walked off the field.

Conine was one for three with two runs batted in. He doubled in the tying run in his final at-bat with the Orioles.

“I obviously didn’t know it was going to be the last hit or the last at-bat, but you contribute to win, that’s what I try to do every time I take the field,� he said.

Conine is batting .265 with nine homers and 49 RBIs. He has played left field this season and spent some time at first base.

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Manager Dusty Baker said he “sometimes� thinks he has a future with the Chicago Cubs, and made it clear that sometimes he does not.

Baker is in the final year of a four-year contract, and General Manager Jim Hendry has said only that his manager is secure for the rest of a disappointing season.

The Cubs are 54-76.

“You put yourself in my position, what would your answer be?� Baker asked reporters. “It’s not only Jim, it’s the whole picture. Just period.

“I’m not going to be the overwhelming favorite. You hear about who’s available, who’s going to take your job, who’s this and that, and that leads to ‘sometimes.’ �

Baker said he has received hate mail throughout his playing and managing careers regarding race, including this season.

“This is something that’s been there on and off for 20 years, longer than that probably,� Baker said. “It’s not the majority of the time, it’s sometimes.

“Everything I’ve said [about it] has been the truth, and I’ve left out quite a bit.�