Florida Today from Cocoa, Florida • Page 31

FLORIDA TODAY, Friday, March 20, 1992 5C McAndrew breaking through the ranks Surhoff gets new deal with Brewers NOTEBOOK 7-1 5) By David Jones FLORIDA TODAY VERO BEACH He's almost there. Jamie McAndrew dreamed of playing in the big leagues since he was a small child. The career choice seems natural enough. His father is former major leaguer Jim McAndrew, who pitched for the New York Mets and San Diego Padres. The younger McAndrew was recruited by the University of Florida as a punter on the football team.

His greatest skills were revealed on the pitcher's mound, where the right-hander impressed the Los Angeles Dodgers enough to become the 28th player picked in the 1989 amateur draft. He will be known as the "Steve Sax" pick his entire career. LA. received a supplemental pick in the draft when Sax, a Class free agent, signed with the New York Yankees. "I'm not going to get impatient," McAndrew said.

"If I keep putting up the numbers, there is no way they can keep me down." At least not next year. This spring McAndrew, 24, is in camp strictly for the experience. The Dodgers have little interest in throwing him into their starting rotation. McAndrew realizes that. "Personally, I don't really see myself breaking with the team this spring," he said.

"If somebody gets called up or something, or if somebody gets hurt on the big club, I think I would have a chance. But I'm not really worried about all of that right now." McAndrew has made a strong impression in a hurry with the organization. One of three first-round picks in the '89 draft, he has moved quicker than anyone. In 1989, McAndrew posted an 11-0 record in 13 starts, with a 1.65 earned run average with Great Falls in the Pioneer League. Too easy.

In 1990, he was a combined 17-6 at Class AA San Antonio and high class A Bakersfield, while being named the Dodger Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Still too easy. Then came reality. A telephone call from the big leagues, McAndrew got hung up. At Class AAA Albuquerque, he averaged more than a hit an inning pitched for the first time, while finishing 12-10 with an ERA of 5.04.

The Pacific Coast League, however, is known as home run heaven. McAndrew was forgiven via a spring training invitation to the big league camp. "It's a full-time job," McAn- April? Back to Albuquerque, no doubt. But, interestingly, LA. gave him uniform No.

51 for the spring. As the old saying goes: the lower the number on your back, the more likcy it is that you'll have a serious shot at making the team. There aren't many No. 72s in the majors aside from Carlton Fisk. But 51? That's pretty close to being considered.

McAndrew is on the brink. "It's basically a matter of fine-tuning now," he said. "And using the God-given talent that I have. Whatever happens now, I have to keep myself ready to go further and take advantage of opportunities." Those opportunites are coming. Jamie was born Sept.

2, 1967, the year before his dad broke into the big leagues. He turned two just prior to the Mets' clinching their 1969 "Miracle" season, so Jamie doesn't remember much about his father's career. But dad quickly could tell his son about what it was like trying to fight to fame behind the likes of the Seavers, Koosmans and Ryans. Now the son faces a similar task trying to get a chance while the Hershisers, Martinezes and Candiottis stand in front of him. FLORIDA TODAY Wires MILWAUKEE After months of negotiations, catcher J.

Surhoff and the Milwaukee Brewers finally agreed Thursday to a $7.5 million, three-year contract. Surhoff had agreed Jan. 20 to a one-year contract worth $2.15 million, but the sides kept talking about a multi-year deal. The new contract replaces the earlier deal. Surhoff, who would have eligible for free agency following the season, hit .271 with 28 home runs and 288 RBI during his first five years.

Wilson surgery successful SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. San Francisco Giants left-hander Trevor Wilson underwent surgery to remove a benign cyst on a rib and should be back on the mound within a few weeks, the team said. The 1-hour operation at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital was successful, and there were no complications, said team spokeswoman Maria Jacinto in San Francisco. Wilson, 25, in stable condition after surgery, was to remain at the hospital Thursday night for observation, but was to be released this morning. He should begin physical activity in 7-10 days and should be pitching again within three to four weeks, Jacinto said.

Also In Port St. Lucie, Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden is scheduled to make his first start in an game against the Houston Astros today. Gooden will probably be limited to 50 pitches. In Bradenton, two days after trading John Smiley, the Pittsburgh Pirates continued their campaign against high-salaried pitchers by cutting Bill Landrum, their saves leader the past three seasons. In Denver, the Colorado Rockies announced that their ticke: prices would range from a low of $1 next season to a high of $16.

Rcokies chairman John Anto-nucci said the club would offer a minimum of 150,000 free tickets to underprivileged children. He termed the $1 seats located in a centerfield bleacher section that will be called the "Rockpile" and available for sale on game days only. Transactions, 6C. Rik Jesse, Florida Today JAMIE McANDREW has moved up steadily in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. drew said, when asked to compare baseball in the minors to college life.

"That's what other people don't see. It's definitely a year-round job, to keep in shape in the offseason and going to winter-ball." Where is McAndrew going in Blue Jays' Tabler tags Royals, 8-6 ROUNDUP fltfiiill jiiiPiiiil pllliiiiiiPMli, wMiiliip' piliiiiiiii mm MOT iiiL7 I if Because of what it comes with. And what it goes for. Now under $15, 000 FLORIDA TODAY Wires DUNEDIN Pat Tabler was at his bases-loaded best again Thursday. Tabler, 42-for-86 with the bases full in 10 seasons, hit a two-run single with the bases loaded as the Toronto Blue Jays rallied from a six-run deficit in the fifth inning and beat the Kansas City Royals 8-6.

Bob Melvin drove in three runs vwith a two-run homer and a triple ras Kansas City took a 6-0 lead in "four innings against David Wells. "But Toronto came back against Yeliever Tom Gordon (0-1). David Weathers (1-0) allowed -one hit in two innings. Ricky 'Trlicek pitched two scoreless in--tiings and Duane Ward got three outs for his second save. In other spring training exhibi-1 tion games Thursday: Brewers, 7, Cubs 0: Bruce 'Ruffin allowed one hit in four innings and three pitchers finished 'with four-hit relief as the Milwau-vkee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 7-0.

1 Ruffin, who came from Philadelphia in a winter trade, walked three and struck out none. Rookie right-hander Mark Kief-er followed with three innings; he has not allowed an earned run in 10 innings this spring. Mariners 8, Indians 2: Dave Fleming changed speeds and changed his fortunes as the Seattle beat the Cleveland Indians 8-2. Fleming, being groomed as the No. 3 starter behind Randy Johnson and Erik Hanson, held Cleveland to one run and four hits in five innings.

The only run Fleming allowed came on an inside-the-park home run by Alex Cole in the third. Expos Braves 2: Marquis Grissom hit a three-run double in a four-run second inning as the Montreal Expos beat the Atlanta Braves 6-2. Ken Hill (2-0) allowed one run four hits in five innings and 'struck out four. Braves starter John "Smoltz (1-2) gave up four runs and six hits in four innings and struck out four. Astros IS, Tigers Craig 'Biggio, Mike Simms and Chris Jones homered as the Houston I Astros got 19 hits and beat the Detroit Tigers 13-6.

i Biggio's homer in the first tied the score 1-1 and Simms opposite-I field homer in the seventh extended Houston's lead to 8-6. Jones hit a three-run homer in a five-run leighth. Butch Henry (2-0) gave up two runs and six hits in four innings and iDoug Jones pitched two shutout innings for his first save. Rangers 9, Pirates 8: Monty Fariss hit a pair of two-run homers to overcome Kirk Gibson's first home run with Pittsburgh as the Texas Rangers won 9-8 and sent the Pirates to their fifth consecutive loss. Gary Pettis and Rafael Palmeiro homered for Texas on a day that saw batters helped by a 30-mph wind.

Pettis hit a solo homer and Palmeiro hit a two-run homer in the third off Bob Walk. Orioles 8, Twins 5: Mike Devereaux went 2-for-4 with a home run and four RBI as the Baltimore Orioles beat the Minnesota Twins 8-5 for their seventh consecutive victory. Bob Milacki (2-0) allowed two hits in five shutout innings for Baltimore, off to an 11-3 start, the team's best spring since an 11-3 start in 1963. White Sox 5, Cardinals 0: Greg Hibbard allowed three hits in five innings and three relievers allowed one hit after that as the Chicago White Sox beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-0.

Cardinals starter Rheal Cormier (1-2) left with two outs in the second when he was hit in the right calf with a line drive off the bat of Lance Johnson. He was taken to a hospital for X-rays, as was first base umpire Mark Hirschbeck, who hurt his ankle at first base later in the game. Yankees 7, Red Sox fc Gerald Williams homererd and Dave Sil-vestri hit a run-scoring infield single as the New York Yankees rallied for two runs in the eighth inning and beat the Boston Red Sox 7-6. Williams tied the score off Daryl Irvine (1-1) with his first home run of the spring, increasing his average to .563 (9-for-16). Phillies 17, Reds fc Rob Dibble and Norm Charlton were pounded for 10 runs in the sixth inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies routed the Cincinnati Reds 17-6.

Dale Sveum hit a two-run homer off Dibble and Dave Hollins hit a two-run homer off Charlton as the Phillies scored all their runs in the inning with two outs. Gino Minutelli allowed one hit in four innings, and Troy Afenir hit a pair of solo homers. Standings, llnescores, 6C. I tl-liWJiilllllil'IrillllrlililM It's here! The exciting new 1992 Mercury Cougar! This Cat offers more features for a whole lot less than its closest competition! Especially now at this special value price! This special 1992 Mercury Cougar is available only at your Lincoln-Mercury Dealer! Kaw Social Value Sticker Priced: 15,04 PLUS package 250S 15" cast aluminum wheels AM stereo cassette radio Speed control Tilt steering Power locks Rear defroster STAIMD FEAIUHES UHe3 AuMc cvsrtrivfi trsiso Air center Frrat arJ rear stziiSzer tars lEaterval wL-sl wipers Tinted Adir.iicJiofi Customer Cash tack Seminoles, 'Canes pound opposition Price after Cash hack 14,024 See Your Lincoln-Mercury Dealer Today! In other college baseball Thursday: In Coral Gables, Johnathen Smith was 4-for-5 with two home runs to lead Miami to a 14-7 victory against Rutgers. Miami (19-4) jumped to a 1-0 lead in the second when Smith hit his first homer of the night Smith blasted his second when Miami picked up four runs in the bottom of the third for a 5-1 lead.

FLORIDA TODAY Wires TALLAHASSEE Chris Brock went 3-for-3 with two doubles and a run Thursday to lead Florida State to a 22-0 victory against Georgia State. Kevin McCray and John Cook lalso had home runs for the Seminoles (22-4). Three pitchers combined for the shutout Paul Wilson (1-1) pitched Ifive innings, striking out six and walking one. LaWhit Lizzmore and Jim Rushworth pitched an inning. a I.

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