And because the risks are so great, some writers and editors reason, publishers are becoming less willing to take fliers on more sober books with more marginal prospects.

Padres officials, more concerned about ridding themselves of the financial obligation, agreed quickly on Jodie and Blakely, both marginal prospects.

Huskey, unable to hit a good fastball, was shipped off to Seattle for a marginal prospect.

Though once viewed as a marginal prospect, the Marlins had high hopes for him.

Lowell, a third baseman who turns 25 this month, had been regarded as a marginal prospect before the 1997 season, when he slugged 30 homers in 135 games.

But no one employed by the Knicks is talking, in any language, so the task of assessing Brown's job status and health fell to four marginal prospects.

They will receive cash for Crawford, a marginal 27-year-old prospect who went 4-3 with a 3.30 e.r.a. for the Mets last season.

He went on to sign with the Royals as an amateur free agent in 1975, and was considered a marginal prospect.

The Mets also received second baseman Andrew Salvo, who is also considered a marginal prospect.

But when dealing with the marginal prospects, Bathgate feels the scandal's effect.