The Tampa Tribune from Tampa, Florida • 41

SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 1998 THE TAMPA TRIBUNE-TIMES 0 SPORTS 7 oyer's CTu GE-5 iSccttys Quality Safely delivered on tint with no hassles In shop or on the spot. WE DO WIND6HIELDS 072-0103 Playing the game no longer prerequisite for GM duties CONTRACTORS SCHOOL Come (earn how you can obtain your license at no cost! May 22 FREE INTRODUCTORY COURSE lor Exam Prep, 6:45 pm 8:15 pm QUALITY HOTEL AIRPORT PLAZA 1200 N. Wesrshore Blvd. Tampa 1-800-676-3006 Or visit our web site ot www dbcm.com In? 1 DD a 1LJm There's a less-than-endearing saying former players direct at certain individuals running the game: "He never wore a jock." As in, how could a certain indi How major-league general managers made it to their posts: From the front office with the purchase ot your "Associate Partnership Cards" on sale now. Ask at any ot our three courses for more details.

effective April 27 SOUTHERN DUNES GOLF ft COUNTRY CLVB Golf Digest "4 star places to play '48" alw tax Holiday! phu tax Rata good Apr. 13 through May. 17th Top 100 Modern Courses In America By co week 941421-4653 can 407-4224)070 20 minute from Disney Direction 1-4 eaat to VS. 27 South 7 mllea vidual pull the strings of a major-league team if he never played in the major leagues? Even worse, if he never played the game at a high level? Backing such a conten Gord Ash, Blue Jays Bill Bavasi, Angels Jim Bowden, Reds Biian Cashman, Yankees Fred Claire, Dodgers Dave Dombrowski, Marlins Dan Duquette, Red Sox Joe Garagiola Diamondbacks Walt Jockety, Cardinals Herk Robinson, Royals Randy Smith, Tigers rT. HO mm I HiiweeraayswiinArucara Bill Chastain BASEBALL BASZAHfiniAS 6314374 R0GSLSFAKX 6734396 ROCKY PCtST 6734316 UJJ: YOU voted our Real Estate news best! cr73nnzr IE 7 I TV UU Ui The Lowest Prices On The Street rfffikiv starting as low mm nt e-rm t'fj Lj I wtiitewalls B96 98 SoAast's 60,000 Mils Limited Warranty 66.95 P195J5R14 ui Largost .70.95 .75.95 80 95 80.95 79.95 P20575R15 IW P215I5R15 twi P23575R15nw4.

P21S65R15 m-. MARK GUSSTribune photo Chuck LaMar, left, a former player at TCU, is not the type of GM to stay in the background. a HacKm I Dealer! Gtsn liii 791 M35 40,000 Mile Limited Warranty Ensign firestone vehicle J3S 60,000 Mile Limited Warranty 95 17570R14FR48O.F48.. 54.95 Saturn 11 J99 22570R14 FR480 F48 79.95 Mazda Pickup P15S80R13 19560HR15 GTA F60 70.95 Saturn 19560TR15 FTX F70 70.95 Saturn 20555SR15 FTX -F70 74.95 Probe 18565SR14FR680 -m. 58.95 50,000 Milt Limited Warranty P15580R13 17.95 P16580R13 26.95 P17580R13 27.95 P18580R13 28.95 P18575R14 31.95 P19575R14 32.95 P20575R14 33.95 P20575R15 35.95 P21575R15 36.95 P22575R15 37.95 P23575R15 38.95 P15580R13 22.95 P16580R13 35.95 P17580R13 36.95 P18580R13 37.95 P18575R14 40.95 P19575R14 39.95 P20575R14 41.95 P20575R15 42.95 P21575R15 43.95 P22575R15 44.95 P23575R15 45.95 19565SR14 FR680 F68 62.95 Probe Played college baseball Cam Bonifay, Pirates Gerry Hunsicker, Astros Chuck LaMar, Devil Rays Brian Sabean, Giants John Schuerholz, Braves Ed Wade, Phillies Played in minors Pat Gillick, Orioles John Hart, Indians Doug Melvin, Rangers Steve Phillips, Mets Terry Ryan, Twins Kevin Towers, Padres 23575R15 ATXII F99 78.95 Explorer.F1 50 22.95 23.95 24.95 25.95 26.95 27.95 27.95 28.95 29.95 29.95 P22575R15.

P23575R15. GOODfrCAR 19570HR14 INVICTA OA 69.95 Camry 20565HR15 EAGLE GA hit ....99.95 Mustantj 22560SR16 EAGLE GA mi 1 29.95 Intrepid 22560HR16 EAGLE RSA w. 149.95 Cadillac.Lumina 22570R16 EAGLE LS hm. .109.95 Grand Cheroke III 23575R15 WRANGLER RTS H32 99.95 Ranger, Explorer AmeriPlus km Ensign jas 25570R16 WRANGLER RTS (Ml 09.95 Expedition, F150 95 L99130 155SR12 50,000 Mile LMted Warranty P17570R13 33.95 P18570R13 33.95 40,000 Mile Limited Warranty $9fln95 P17570R14 53.95 P18570R14 34.95 P19570R14 35.95 Starting 60,000 Mile United Warranty Uackwans 44.95 46.95 58.95 Whilewalls 49.95 59.95 21570SR15 59.95 56.95 Played in big leagues Sal Bando, Brewers Billy Beane, A's Jim Beattie, Expos Bob Gebhard, Rockies Ed Lynch, Cubs Ron Schueler, White Sox Woody Woodward, Mariners P20570R14 50.95 P20570R15 52.95 P21570R15 54.95 P17565R14 49.95 As Low ROAD KING 45 Up to 475 Cranking Amps 155SR13 24.95 34.95 35.95 P20570SR14. 34.95 R0A3 KING PLUS 65 Up to 835 Cranking Amps P18565R14 52.95 P20565R15 52.95 Blackballs daughter, LaBresha, and his girlfriend's 5-year-old daughter had thrown them away.

Reese searched all over his house, tearing through everything before finally finding the keys in a trash can. He made it to Cinergy Field in time for batting practice. "It can't get no worse than that," Reese said with a smile. "I've never been late in my life. My house is a wreck." Manager Jack McKeon was understanding, and he and General Manager Jim Bowden got a good laugh out of it with Reese when he got to the stadium.

"I've heard a lot of reasons for being late before, but I never heard that one," McKeon said. Indians outfielder Manny Ramirez said he's going to dye his hair blond and got a head start this week when he highlighted his hair with blond streaks. "I just wanted a change," he said. Ramirez's fashion statement led to the following conversation around the batting cage with Hargrove. Hargrove: "Nice hair, Manny." Ramirez: "You should get yours done the same way." Hargrove: "Yeah, I could cover up the gray.

You didn't pay for that did you?" Ramirez: "No, it was a free sample." Hargrove: "It looks more like chemical warfare." But do blonds have more fun? Check the record. On Monday, the Indians' new blond bombshell hit a home run over the cola bottles bolted to the light tower behind Fenway Park's Green Monster. It was estimated at 445 feet Montreal manager Felipe Al-ou blames inexperience for his team's poor start. "We have guys with talent, guys that are going to be very good players once they get the experience," Alou said. "There's no substitute for experience.

Pedro Martinez is a great pitcher, but the pitches he has today are the same pitches he had when he first was here. The difference is he has the experience now and knows how to use those pitches. He has learned. The young guys we have have the tools; they just haven't had time to learn." Like many young major-leaguers, Pirates catcher Jason Kendall spends much of his free time playing video games. During one baseball game against his brother over the winter, Kendall was faced with a tough decision.

The Pirates were down by a run in the late innings and he was due to bat. Kendall lifted himself for a pinch hitter, former Pirate Dave Clark. "We had some money on the game, so I had to play to win," Kendall said with a smile. Though the move didn't work out, Kendall wouldn't second-guess himself. "Sometimes, you have to make moves as a manager, even if they might be unpopular," he said, breaking into a big grin.

Minnesota outfielder Otis Nixon, recovering from a broken left jaw, is hoping to be cleared to eat solid food by the time the next homestand begins Monday. His first meal? "A steak about this big," said Nixon, spreading his hands about shoulder width. With time running out May 26 is the close period for the Phillies to reach an agreement with unsigned first-round draft pick J.D. Drew, there is no sign of movement in negotiations. The Phillies' last offer, made on April 2, was for a $2.6 million signing bonus plus a chance to make up to $6 million over the life of a four-year contract.

Agent Scott Boras' counterproposal, made April 8, was for a $5 million signing bonus and a $200,000 major-league contract in 1998. In each of the next three seasons the Phillies would either have to pay Drew $2 million or release him, bringing the total potential worth of the package to $11.2 million. The grievance hearing filed by the union protesting the change in language of the draft was completed Monday and arbitrator Dana Eischen said he will have a ruling no later than May 18. In the meantime, the Phillies are sitting pat with their offer. "We put our chips on the table and he's playing checkers," GM Ed Wade said.

"There may not be any movement At some point I hope not to be distracted by this issue. I think it's taking a little bit away from this team's performance on the field. We're sucking up a lot of the year on J.D. Drew." Contact Bill Chastain through e-mail at wchastaintampalrib.com, by writing to Tribune Sports, P.O. Box 191, Tampa, 33601, or by calling (813) 259-7835.

On Your Next PURCHASE! Road Rebel R99 Some resrictions Apply. See store for details 60,000 Mile Limited Warranty Touring TRg709o 60,000 Mile Limited Warranty EE JT jjl tt JuLl .2111 3 45,000 Mile Limited Warranty Raised White Letters N90 P25570TR15. 61.95 51.95 P23560TR15. 56.95 58.95 P275.60TR15..59.95 i Take an 18560R14 19560R14 19560R15 20560R15 21560R16 22560R16 55.95 55.95 56.95 56.95 62.95 68.95 P20560R13 56 95 P20570R14 50.95 P21565R15 64.95 P21570R14 58.95 P22560R14 61.95 P22570R14 62.95 P22570R15 64.95 P23560R14 67.95 P23560R15 67.95 P23570R15 67.95 P24560R14 72.95 P24560R15. 72.95 P25560R15 74.95 P25570R15 74.95 P27560R15.

79.95 P295-50R15 89.95 EXTRA tion is the list of current general managers who made it to the show during their playing days: Sal Bando, Brewers; Bob Gebhard, Rockies; Ron Schueler, White Sox; Jim Beat-tie, Expos; Ed Lynch, Cubs; Woody Woodward, Mariners and Billy Beane, A's. However, a quick look at the list of world champions for this decade reveals only one GM from those teams, the Yankees' Bob Watson, was a former major-leaguer. Fact is, the qualifications for a general manager have changed over the years. In the '90s, we've seen the emergence of young GM's that "never wore a jock," such as Cincinnati's Jim Bowden, Florida's Dave Dombrowski, Minnesota's Andy MacPhail (now the Cubs' president and CEO) and Detroit's Randy Smith; all were GM's be- fore age 40. Once Watson was out as the Yankees' GM before the start of this season, in came Brian Cash-man, another GM with no major-league experience.

Was he qualified? Well, almost before the initial ripping of owner George Stein-brenner for bringing in Cashman, he helped engineer the Chuck Knoblauch trade in addition to being diplomatic enough to keep Bernie Williams' case from going to arbitration. Now it looks like a pretty good decision for the Yankees. Cashman is the GM, but he receives more than an ample supply of input from farm director Mark Newman and former GM Gene Michael, who is listed as a scout In addition, there is Kim Ng, who one day could be the sport's first female GM. Why so many people? Simple, the job has become more demanding. No longer is a GM's job simply a matter of setting up a card table in the middle of a hotel lobby to trade outfielders for infielders.

The modern GM must be a 1 lawyer, a keen evaluator of talent, a doctor and capable of handling complex business issues. And with more responsibility comes more blame, which ex- plains why Woodward and the Dodgers' Fred Claire are the only GMs who were with their current teams before the start of the de- cade. In the old days, GMs never got in the firing line. So is it any wonder former major-leaguers aren't in as many GM jobs as they once were? After a career in which millions were made, why would anybody want their life after baseball to include the preparation of arbitration cases? Or making sure all players contracts are worded properly? Then again, it's one thing to have been a player and another to run the team. But former players beware: The guys who never wore a jock are worthy competition.

Caught coaching: Yankees manager Joe Torre requested that 1 Maury Wills leave the Blue Jays' dugout during their game day. Wills is an organizational base-running instructor and tech-: nically not a coach, so he's not permitted to be on the bench dur-: ing games. Torre noticed Wills on the bench early in the game and assumed Wills would sit quietly and observe. But Torre said during the ninth inning Wills stood and began gesturing to base run-' ners. Torre then asked the urn- pires to order Wills off the bench, 5 which they did.

"He's a competitive guy who competed when he played and he's good at what he does," Torre said. 'If they wanted him to be that active, they should have made him one of their six coaches." Wills and Torre shook hands and talked over the situation before Tuesday's game, but the Jays were not amused and there were even suggestions the call had come down from New York where Steinbrenner might have caught Wills on the bench on TV. i Either or Both Services. I With Coupon Only. One Coupon Per Customer.

Brakes Minimum Purchase $74.95. I TMTS04 TMTS05 EXPIRES 5-2-98 mum mm mm mmm WMm rvrvMBHavia aanimiiini iinmni 1 1 mi iaa PROGRESSIVE Y388 L6o 40,000 Mile Limited Warranty D60 A2 Doo 45,000 Mile limited Warranty MHT. Performance Nao 40,000 Mile Limited Warranty 42.95 48.95 48.95 49.95 52.95 50.95 P18560R14. P19560R14 P19560R15. P20560R15 P20555R16.

P22550R16. 63.95 65.95 68.95 71.95 94.95 92.95 20560HR13 18560HR14 19560HR14 20560HR14 19560HR15 20560HR15 21560HR15 22560HR15 20565HR15 21565HR15 19570HR14 49.95 59.95 61.95 63.95 64.95 67.95 84.95 71.95 72.95 72.95 69.95 GHEE! ftsk For Details! mm mmm ESEiLDE GUffillTEE! Ask For Details! Trail TA E97 Grabber ST 50,000 Mile Limited Warranty P22570R14 76.95 P20575R15 ....59.95 P22575R15 77.95 P23575R15XL ...82.95 P22570R15 :....82.95 P23570R15BW. 84.95 P24570R16 99.95 cnu Raised While Letters 22575R15 74.95 23575R15XL 84.95 30X9.50R15 99.95 31X10.50R15. 104.95 mm 40,000 Mile Limited Warranty TqB99 21575R15 46 95 23575R15 49.95 2J575R15C ...69.95 LT22575R16D ..69 95 LT24575R16E. 79.95 30X9.50R15 76.95 31X10.50R15 ...80.95 33x12 50R15D ..89.95 8.75x16.50 81.95 9.50X16.5D 86.95 21585R1BD 68.95 2J585R16E 69.95 'Outline White Letters: C-6 Ply; 8 Ply: M0 Ply IMUE IT! Said Jays GM Gord Ash: "Our rivalry hasn't been what it should be the last few years so this is a nice kick-start.

It's a long season. The opportunity will present itself for us to get even." Wills, who said he wasn't yelling instructions but admitted he was making signals, was indeed hurt. "It felt like I was thrown out of my own home, my own life. But hey, they're trying to win a ball-game. I might have done the same thing." Diamond notes: Seattle went on six-game winning streak after the April 15 incident against the Indians that saw Randy Johnson throw at Kenny Lofton.

Featured prominently during the brawl was M's manager Lou Pi-niella, who charged Lofton and had to be restrained by his coaches. Indians GM John Hart said Pi-niella should have been kicked out of the game but admired Pi-niella's style. "Lou won an Academy Award. He won an Oscar that night," Hart said. "I'm not being critical of Lou.

I like that It's all part of managing. But he went crazy out of there." After White Sox second baseman Ray Durham reached base three straight times on errors, scoring a run each time, in Chicago's 14-7 victory over the Indians Wednesday night in Jacobs Field, Indians manager Mike Hargrove said, "We played the rest of the White Sox pretty well. But we played Ray Durham terribly." Braves right-hander Greg Maddux on Coors Field: "It's not scary. It sucks. There's no 'cruise' here." He won 7-5 on Monday, allowing five runs in eight innings, including a three-run pinch-hit homer to left-center by John Vander Wal.

Orioles relievers took up a collection and bought a fine pocket watch for teammate Jesse Oros-co, who celebrated his 41st birthday Tuesday. He is the fourth oldest player ever to appear in an Orioles uniform, behind Rick Dempsey (43), Dizzy Trout (42) and Dave Philly (41 years, 4 months). Reds shortstop Pokey Reese was late reporting to a recent game because he couldn't find his car keys. It seems his 5-year-old 30X9.50R15C... 89.95 31X10.50R15C...

91.95 32X11.50R15C. LT22575R16D. LT24575R16E. LT26575R16C LT23585R16E. 104.95 94.95 ..99.95 109.95 99.95 Brakes Steering Linkage Drive line Suspension Shocks and Struts 'Outline While Letters: 6 Ply: 0-8 PI): E-IOPhj Monday-Friday: 7:00 8:00 Saturday: 7:00 6:00 Press do ndule the Si rkmda He Tire Fee tx Pie Tte Ehpcsa Oarge of S' 00 per Ira Tire itoaed Products ano Services Are Owcna il Oesreo.

Some es May 8e TemcranS; Out oi Stic tamcnects Araeaoe Please Can For No Dears. Ftase 1 'Sunday: Most Stores www.tirekingdom.com 4224 E. BRANDON VALRIC0 MV09520 1527 E. BRANDON BLVD. Ik bit Ml Pettiest M.

653-2227 SE HABLA ESPANOL TAMPA MV09522 7602 WEST HILLSBOROUGH BLVD. 885-1781 E. TAMPA BRANDON MV09571 105-A U.S. HWY. 301 (CorwMl 1 60 623-3538 PLANT CITY MV09530 2303-B JIM REDMAN PARKWAY 754-1525 SE HABLA ESPANOL TAMPA MV094W 3733 HENDERSON BLVD.

879-6715 GUNN HWY. 14777 N. DALE MABRY HWY. 269-0554 12 Milt ot Data Mltryl 265-1635 SE HABLA ESPANOL CLOSED SUNDAY! TAMPA CLEARWATER MV0951B 23490 U.S. HWY 19 N.

N. End at iHhmiiil Ptuil 797-6249 TAMPA MV095S2 5107 EAST FOWLER AVE. 985-0905 UiO'UXES MV2S160 2127 FJRINS0N RD. 949-6720 LARGO MVOM73 2110 S. BELCHER RD.

1 Stock at Utmrtonl 535-1420 DUNEDIN MV32074 1901 MAIN STREET 738-1414 MV0B471 1130 EAST CLEARWATER MV09545 1315 South MISSOURI AVE. Uinl S. at Tka Surnhm HaH; 443-4450 FLETCHER AVE. 972-9095 ST, ST, PETERSBURG MV09551 OIL CHANGE NOT AVAILABLE PALM HARBOR MV09506 32491 U.S. HWY.

19 NORTH IConwilTlmiW I ll 786-4296 ST. PETERSBURG MV0947S 534416th STREET NORTH IComar afMiriAva) 521-3502 SEMINOLE MV09952 8650 SEMINOLE BLVD. 391-9983 HOLIDAY MV09483 1633 U.S. HWY. 19 IU.S.

9 Alt. It) 937-4101 7900 49th ST. N. ekxll Horn, Pert PUu WV09S29 2911 TYRONE BLVD. IHiitteTytwStutrtltMtml 345-2404 3398 34th ST.

NORTH INait ta Siular) 527-9555 541-6677 Pti WINTER HAVEN MV0947S 875 6th STREET NW NORTH LAKELAND MV09531 4910 U.S. HWY. 98 N. 941859-2200 HUDSON MV09SSO 9615 STATE R0A0 52 IM Mile E.tt Utile M. 869-8100 CRYSTAL RIVER MVO32fl 750 N.E.

Hwy. 44 3521795-9585 SPRING HILL MV09504 12161 C0RTEZ BLVD. IStali Road 50 352! 597-1099 SOUTH LAKELAND MV09527 5121 SOUTH FLORIDA AVE. 941(647-2124 SEEKING MV09544 585 U.S. HWY.

27 NORTH 9411471-3661 9208 U.S. HWY. 19 licnii FnnGuftMtt 848-3069 841)299-6443 Prices are effective in Hillsborough County and honored al all ether locations upon presentation o( this ad. Some products may vary..