Wells backtracks on criticism

David Wells told reporters in Detroit on Saturday that he nearly called Bobby Valentine to apologize for calling the Mets manager a "loser" and another derogatory term in an interview with Playboy.com. Wells said he has been at odds with Valentine since 1997, when Wells criticized the Yankees for signing Hideki Irabu and Valentine in turned criticized Wells through the media. Wells played for the Yankees at the time. Valentine "was jawing; same as when he was in Texas. ... I just say things to get back at him for that," Wells said. "I'm probably 110 percent wrong by doing it. At least I can admit it. Maybe I'm not giving him a fair chance. "Then again you watch him on TV, and it does bother you knowing who it is, and he's making all these gestures." Separately, White Sox manager Jerry Manuel said Saturday that Wells will miss at least his scheduled start Monday because of a strained left groin suffered during Wednesday night's loss to Toronto. Wells (3-5) will be replaced by Jon Garland (1-2). Manuel said Sunday that the trade talk has nothing to do with the decision. "He's hurting, and we're giving him a break," Manuel said. "I don't know anything about the rumors, but I'm not surprised that teams would be asking about David. He's a very valuable commodity." Wells said he doesn't expect to throw until Tuesday at the earliest. -- ESPN.com news services

While the White Sox are actively trying to trade David Wells as soon as possible, a baseball source said Saturday he would be "shocked" if Wells is traded in the next few days.

According to three clubs that have spoken to the White Sox, Chicago general manager Kenny Williams has been calling every club he thinks could have interest in Wells in recent days. Those teams have been told what the White Sox would like back. But, in the words of one club executive, "what they want is a lot more than anyone is prepared to do."

Trading for Wells now also means teams would have to pay him nearly $8 million in salary, plus a $1.25-million buyout on his $10-million option for next year. And very few clubs that could add that much cash to their payroll right now unless the White Sox would take a high-priced player back.

The Cardinals have been described in some reports as the leading contender. But the White Sox want young position players, and the Cardinals have very little to offer.

The Red Sox also have talked with Williams. But they have the highest payroll in baseball now, at approximately $110 million. And they have the lowest ERA in the majors.

The Mets have had conversations regarding Wells. But the White Sox almost certainly would want hot center-field prospect Alex Escobar, and the Mets prefer not to deal him -- especially when they're not sure yet whether they can even get back in the race.

As of Saturday morning, the Mets hadn't discussed specific names with the White Sox, reports Peter Gammons.

The Phillies and Astros are other clubs that have reportedly been contacted. But teams that have talked to those two clubs say they, too, aren't interested right now.

The Indians have scouted Wells' recent starts, but they're happy with their pitching now, and Wells has made it clear he doesn't want to go to Cleveland.

So for all the smoke, there appears to be very little fire.

"My impression," said one club official, "is that they're trying to drum up as much interest as they can to push the price up. But the guy's value goes down every time he pitches -- and every time he opens his mouth."

Since last year's All-Star break, Wells is only 8-11, has given up five runs or more in 12 of his 26 starts, and opposing hitters are batting .292, with 23 homers in that time.

The New York Post reported Saturday that the White Sox were trying to create a bidding war and hoping to deal Wells before the end of the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The defending American League Central champion White Sox, who are struggling mightily this season, are actively trying to trade Wells and several other prominent members of their squad.

"When we talked to Ken Williams on Monday, he wanted to wait, but I think he's changed his stance," an unidentified general manager told Gammons. "He wants to move Wells, James Baldwin, (Chris) Singleton and Herbert Perry as quickly as possible. But he wants a young positional player for Wells."

Jayson Stark is a senior writer for ESPN.com.