Chicago Tribune from Chicago, Illinois • 52

12 Section 3 Chicago Tribune. Sunday. March 1989 DAS ED ALL kaafliBMaaiaelUl o)ro)prnJH so) anniifr'fS lrlniSJliullJ 11 IniBuukia ImSSsL I i Tribune photos by Ed Wagner Darrin Jackson (left)' and Dwight Smith are two of the players in the Cubs' outfield derby. The speedy Jackson has the better chance of winning a job. 9 Cubs go to the post in spirited outfield derby Atlanta Braves WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.

Dale Murphy wee newoornrnfttaf about res wMngnen to accept a trade to the New York Mets or San Diego Padres. '1 have considered the poesttrfroes. but haven't accepted or rejected either. At this point I reefy haven't made a decision, ft haanl come to the point where General Manager Bobby Cm has come to me with eornefrinQ has been reported that Murphy has given Cox a March 15 deadene to either make trade or end the speculation. "Hex.

I haven't given them any deacahes. Murphy said. "We taJked about ft, but nothing waa decided." Cincinnati Reds PLANT CTTY, Fla. Owner Marge Schott's coin flip to decide the contract of outfielder Kai Daniels doesn't sit wel with National League President A. Bertett GtametU, who wants to talc to her about the matter.

Giamatti caked ft ridiculous and demeaning. Schott resorted to a coin flip Thursday when Daniels and General Manager Murray Cook reached an impasse. Daniels had walked out of camp the day before demanding $325,000. Cook reportedly offered $310,000 to $315,000. Daniels won the flip.

"We do not consider It a form of gambling," Giamatti said. "However, what I reed Is right, It Is a ridiculous way to negotiate a contract and trivializes the whole process and demeans the Kent Tekutve gave up four runs In the eighth inning as the Kansas City Royals beat the Reds 6-2. He allowed five hits and a walk In his first inning tor the Reds, who also made five errors. Marty Brown hit a solo home run Pitcher Luis Vaequez arrived In camp and signed a one-year contract Terms weren't disclosed. Houston Astros KISSIMMEE, Fla.

Charley KerfekJ was the loser as the Minnesota Twins beat the Astros 4-3. He retired the first two batters in the seventh before walking the next two and surrendering run-scoring singles to Doug Baker and Al Newman. An-thony Kefty doubled with one out 5 the rtrrtrt He rroved to third on a ground out, but Craig Reynolds' tner was the final out Bob Forsch isn't taking anything for granted. "I think you have to show them something every spring," he said. '1 know that I have to take time to get In shape to be ready to pitch, but it's still important to make a good showing." Forsch came to the Astros from St Louts last Aug.

31 in a deal that sent Denny Walling to the Cards. Los Angeles Dodgers PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. The Dodgers squandered an 8-3 lead in losing 9-8 to the New York Mets. Los Angeles scored four runs off Watty Whttehurst In the fourth, Including John Shelby's solo homer, and two more off John Mitchell In the sixth.

Jeff Hamilton also homered for the Dodgers off Sid Fernandez, who allowed two runs In three innings. John Wetteland was the loser. Montreal Expos WEST PALM BEACH. Fla. Dennis Hood scored on a sacrifice fly by Jeff Weatherby In the top of the ninth and the Atlanta Braves and Expos played four more Innings before ending In a 1-1 tie.

The Expos opened the scoring in the seventh when gnch-hitter Darryl Motley singled and went to second on a balk i Paul Assenmacher. He scored on Akxuo Powel's double. Ed Whtted started Atlanta's rally with a single off Andy McOafn-gan. Hood was a pinch runner, and was sacrificed to second by John Mizerock and went to third on Paul Runge's single. Montreal's Hubie Brooks had two singles.

New York Mets PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. Darryl Strawberry's one-day wait-out, but not his unhappiness, ended when the right-fielder returned to camp. During the introductions, he hugged and kissed first baseman Keith Hernandez on the right cheek. Strawberry also a three-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 9-8 victory.

"It's Just my way, I Just did It," Strawberry said when someone asked If the kiss was premeditated. "I'm not here to cause problems. Me and Keith have had a special relationship, and I don't want It to be destroyed by what happened." Strawberry's unhappiness stems from the Mets' refusal to renegotiate his contract, which has two years to run. Strawberry was involved In a scuffle with Hernandez before leaving camp Thursday. Strawberry, who was fined $750 for missing Friday's practice and game, said he returned "because I felt It's right for me to come back to be a part of this team and my teammates at this time." He refused to answer questions concerning his contract.

He will earn $1.4 million this season and $1.8 million in 1990, an option year, but was hoping to negotiate a new three-year deal. Now, Strawberry says he won't sign any new contract. Manager Dave Johnson said, "ft the kiss dispelled two notions: that this hateful relationship was going to linger and that ft was going to bother him. He then laughed and said, "One swing of the bat and Darryl wipes the slate clean." Darren Reed's three-run homer capped a five-run seventh as the Mets rallied for the victory. Right-hander Ron Daring was hospitalized for three hours Thursday night, suffering gastroenteris.

He Is listed as day-to-day but wil miss his scheduled Sunday start against Los Angeles. David West wW take his place. Philadelphia Phillies CLEARWATER, Fla. Bob Sebra was the loser as the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Phillies 9-2. Philadelphia took a lead In the first off Jimmy Key, but couldn't score again on seven singles.

Chris James drove In both runs wfth a double. Scott Service gave up Toronto's last five runs, three earned. In his two innings. Mike Maddux struck out five in his three Innings. Pittsburgh Pirates ST.

PETERSBURG, Fla. A nlnth-lnnlng error by rookie second baseman Geronlmo Pena set up Felix Fermln sacrifice fly as the Pirates beat St. Louis 2-1. Jeff Robinson, the last of four Pirates pitchers, earned the victory with two scoreless Innings. He got out of a two-on, two-out Jam In the ninth.

Pena suffered a strained right wrist earlier in the game. X-rays were taken as a precautionary measure, but they were negative. St. Louis Cardinals ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.

Shortstop Ozzie Smith says he would Uke to play for the Cardinals for the rest of his career, but not for less money than he's making this season. Smith, 34, is in the final season of a five-year, $8 million contract He wi get a $2.2 million salary and Including a prorated share of his signing bonus, he will earn $2.34 million. "I don't think I should have to play for less," Smith said. "I usually play 150 or more games a year and as" weH as anyone has ever played my position." Negotiations are In the preliminary stages. Smith is scheduled to meet with his agent Jack Sands, regarding the situation.

"I'd like to have ft squared away before we go Into the season," Smith said. Jose Oquendo had two nits In a 2-1 toss to Pittsburgh. The Cards reduced the number of players In camp to 41 by sending nonroster catchers Jim Puzey and John Kroeger to their minor-league complex for reassignment San Diego Padres YUMA, Ariz. Ed Whftson was the winner as the Padres beat the California 4-2. Joey Cora's walk drove in the go-ahead in the fourth inning.

Eric Notts got the save. The game was played before 6,414, a record for an exhibition game at Desert Sun Stadium. The Padres announced that they have come to terms with their final five unsigned players. Catcher Benito Santiago signed a one-year contract for a base salary of $310,000 wfth incentives that could bring his salary to as nigh as $350,000, according to agent Scott Boras. Second baseman Roberto Alomar signed a one-year deal for $150,000.

His brother, Sandy Alomar signed a contract that wM pay htm $75,000 if he plays in the majors and $35,000 If he returns to the minors. Also signing were pitcher Greg Harris and outfielder Shawn Abner, both to standard minor league-major league agreements but the terms weren't disclosed. San Francisco Giants SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. Loser Rick Reuechel was the victim of three unearned runs as the Cleveland Indians beat the Giants 7-4. Shortstop Jose Uribe's throwing error with one out In the second enabled Andy AHanson to reach second base.

He then scored on a single by Paul Zuvefta. Bud Black bunted Into a force at second and went to second on Oddtbe McDoweft's single. Jerry Browne's two-run single capped the rally. Kevin Mitchell hit a two-run home run for San Franclscto. Righthander Karl Best has undergone athrosoopic surgery to remove foreign matter and to correct an arthritic condition in his pitching elbow.

He is expected to be out of action from two to three weeks. Baltimore Orioles MIAMI Johnny Oetes took ons look at Stove FWey In an exhibition game and knew the 14ttvround draft pick out of Southern Uhnois could be something tpetcaL Fntey began lest season in Class A. Now. he's challenging for the starting center-field Job. Finiey piayed eight games for the Class A team in Hagerstown, Md, then 10 at the AA level In Charlotte.

N.C, before joining the Rochester dub. where Oetes was tie manager. Fntey Triple-A assignment was supposed to be only temporary, but when the Orioles wanted to send Fntey back to Charlotte. Oetes said wasn't necessary. "He wound up leading the league in hitting and was named the rookie of the year." Oates said.

Flntey's quick cart has him ahead of his own schedule. Before last season, he thought he'd be trying for a spot on the Rochester roster this year. "At first I was surprised I went so far so fast," he said. "After I got there I got realty comfortable and felt I belonged there. I wasnl overmatched.

I had been overmatched. It would have been a different story." Boston Red Sox WINTER HAVEN, Fla. Frank Tanana was pounded for three home runs by the Red Sox. Including a three-run blast by Jim Rice, In Boston's 6-2 victory over Detroit "Realty, who cares," Tanana said. "I ain't out to Impress.

I ain't out to win a Job. I'm out to pet ready for that first start April. It's been too many years. This really doesn't matter." Carlos Quintans and ElUs Burks hit solo homers In the five-run third Inning. Steve Ellsworth was the winner.

California Angels YUMA, Ariz. Greg MMon gave up four walks In the fourth inning to help the San Diego Padres beat the Angels 4-2. Mirt-ton, who replaced starter Chuck Fintoy In the fourth, couldn't protect a 2-0 lead. The Angels had scored twice the top of the fourth with the help of two errors. Cleveland Indians SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.

Bud Black pitched three scoreless Innings and Rich Yett struck out five straight batters in a 7-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants Reliever Doug Jones has signed a one-year contract reportedly worth $310,000. He mads $115,000 last season. Left-hander Greg Swindel went from $90,000 to $285,000, plus Incentives. Right-fielder Cory Snyder went from $185,000 to $340,000, plus Incentives. Righthander John Farrel had his salary increased from $72,000 to $175,000, and catcher Andy AHanson went from $102,500 to $235,000 plus Incentives.

Detroit Tigers LAKELAND, Fla. Shortstop Alan Trammel has signed a three-year contract extension worth an estimated $6.5 million. It Is the richest contract In Tiger history. The deal between Trammel! and General Manager Bil Lajoie was completed just five minutes. Trammell, negotiating without an agent, suggested a figure, Lajoie agreed, and the two shook hands.

It was that simple, much to TrammeR's surprise. "I talked with some people, talked with the players association. I know what other middle Inflelders are making," said Trammell, who turned 31 last month. "I had a couple of figures In mind. I threw one at him and he said, I'm really happy because my goal was to play 15 years, and this contract will put me right at 15 years." The agreement runs through 1992.

Trammell earned $1.2 million In 1988. virtually every Tiger starter, except right-fielder Chet Lemon, fs In the final year of his contract, but Lajoie said he didn't anticipate any more signlngs soon. TrammeB, however, felt his signing was a positive omen. "No question about ft, I think this sends a message to the rest of the club that they want to keep this team together," Trammell said. Kansas City Royals PLANT CITY, Fla.

Bill Bucknefs two-run home run capped a four-run eighth Inning that carried the Royals to a 6-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Gary Thurman started the rally with a walk and took third on Kevin Seltzer's single. Pat Tablet's sacrifice fly broke a 2-2 tie, and Jim Eisenreicn's triple drove in Seltzer. Buckner then hit a homer over the left-field fence. Rick Luecken was the winner.

Right-hander Kevin Appier was hit on the right forearm by a line drive by Todd Benzlnger In the fourth and had to leave the game. Milwaukee Brewers TEMPE, Ariz. Milwaukee committed six errors in a 13-2 loss to Seattle. The Brewers are expecting big things from Joey Meyer, their designated hitter, who reported to camp at 269 pounds. "Hopefully I'll be a lot said Meyer.

"Last year when I came to camp I was real weak because I had lost so much weight before I got there. Now I think I put ft back on as muscle and I feel a tot stronger. Hopefully, It will show." Minnesota Twins KISSIMMEE, Fla. Jarvla Brown's two-run single capped a four-run seventh Inning as the Twins beat the Houston Astros 4-3. Brown's hit came off former Twins reliever Mark Portugal, acquired by the Astros In an off-season trade.

Frank Viola went three Innings and gave up four hits and one earned run. BaMno Qatvez was the winner, with Jam Davlna getting a save. New York Yankees FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. Manager Dallas Green has referred to former free agent Andy Hawkins as the "anchor" of the reshaped pitching staff.

"He's a guy you can pretty much pencil in every fourth or fifth day and he pretty much guarantees you to seven to nine Innings, Green said. "Somehow those guys always find a way to give you seven innings end on good days they'll give you nine and you can take ft to the bank. Hawkins went six innings or more in 26 of his 33 starts and pitched at least seven innings in 16 starts last season with the San Diego Padres. "I want to give them 35 starts, and whatever happens, happens," Hawkins said. "I always try to win 15 games.

That's a realistic goal." Oakland Athletics SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. The Athletics have reached a one-year agreement with first baseman Mark McGwire. Terms of McGwire's contract weren't disclosed, but sources said the deal fs worth more than $400,000 and includes numerous incentive bonuses. He was paid $250,000 with an additional $30,000 in Incentives last season. Also coming to terms were left-hander Greg Cadaret and KifieWer Lance Blankenshlp.

Cadaret was paid $77,500 and $19,333 In incentives last year. Ozzie Canseco suffered a fractured left wrist and not a sprain as believed earlier and will be out for six to eight weeks. Canseco will be examined by a hand specialist Monday In San Francisco. Outfielder Felix Jose Is Oakland's best chance of having the American League's top rookie for a fourth straight season. But the 23-year-old Jose might not get the opportunity- "It's unfortunate that our rookie streak fs apparently going to end," manager Tony LaRussa said.

"It would have been a nice story to follow, and It's something the organization can take pride in. I lust don't think guys like Felix or second baseman Lance Blankenshlp are going to get much of an opportunity to win jobs this spring. At 6-1 and 217 pounds, he clearly can muscle the ball a lot further than Luis Potonla or Stan Javier. If we really had a hole in left or right Felix would have a real shot to take and play every day," LaRussa said. Seattle Mariners TEMPE, Ariz.

Steve Bafbonl hit a grand slam during a nine-run fourth Inning to lead the Mariners to a 13-2 victory over Milwaukee. With the score tied at 1, the Mariners sent 13 men to the plate In the fourth. Balbonl's homer came off loser Chris Bosk), who was charged with all nine runs In the Inning. Mario Diaz, playing at shortstop for the absent Rey Qulnones, batted twice In the fourth and drove In four runs with a single and a bases-loaded triple. Mike Jackson was the winner.

Mark Lang-ston worked the first three Innings, allowing four hits and one run. He struck out four and walked two. Texas Rangers PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. Paul Wllmet, the third of five Rangers pitchers, gave up aH three runs In a 3-2 toss to the White Sox. He allowed four hits and a walk in the fifth Inning.

He also balked, scoring the final run. Chad Kreuter homered In the fifth for the Rangers' first hit. Pete Incavkjlla singled In a run In the sixth. Toronto Blue Jays CLEARWATER, Fla. Rob Ducey had four hits and Jesse Barfield added three In Toronto's 16-hlt attack as the Blue Jays beat the Philadelphia Phillies 9-2.

Kelly Qruber had a two-run home run. By Alan Solomon Chicago Tribune MESA, Ariz. Don Zimmcr, on his outfielders: "I've got a lot of guys to look at." Things were simpler a year ago. Dave Martinez was set for at least half a job in center, all of it if he showed he could hit left-handers. Rafael Palmeiro, the same story in left.

They won full-time jobs. This spring, Martinez is gone. Palmeiro is gone. Their jobs are open. The line is long.

Alphabetically, it reads this way: Doug Dascenzo, Darrin Jackson, Derrick May, Reid Nichols, Dwight Smith, Phil Stephenson, Gary Varsho, Jerome Walton, Mitch Webster. That's nine. That's a lot of outfielders for Zimmer to look at. And they all have a shot. "We know who's going to play the infield, and we know who's going to catch on Opening Day," says Zimmer.

"We know who's going to play right. "We don't know who's going to play center or left Opening Day." Even if there's no trade and General Manager Jim Frey has said he would trade for an established outfielder Zimmer likes what he sees in Mesa. So does his outfield instructor, Jimmy Piersall. "They've all worked hard to get here," says Piersall. "The only way they're going to change the attitude of the general managerwhich is that we've got to make a trade, is to make it happen now.

"I told all of them they're going to have to play like it's the middle of July." The unofficial early line: Mitch Webster 1 to 2. He can play anywhere in the outfield, and he a switch-hitter. "I'll play right or center or left or first," he says. "I don't really care." Coming off a nightmarish season and driving himself hard to prove he's better than that, Webster is a cinch to stick, though he may wind up as a platoon left-fielder. Jerome Walton Even money.

"If he shows me can hit .260, he'll be my starting center-fielder," Zimmer says. Walton's response: "I can hit .260 here. No problem." Pressure? "There's no pressure on me," he says. "The pressure's on the guys that are already here." He hit .331 last year in Double-A, has speed (42 steals at Pittsfield), a good arm and not much power. By consensus, he's the best defensive center-fielder in camp.

It's his job to lose. Darrin Jackson Even money. Showed speed and a little pop as a role player in 1988. He can play center but may be better suited to left, where he could platoon with Webster. He came to camp early and came stronger than he was last spring, when he was still recovering from cancer surgery.

"I was trying to figure out whether or not I could get the strength to get all the way through spring training," he says. His arm was sore last year made me feel like half a but not anymore. "I want to do it all." Phil Stephenson 2 to 1. At 28, he's old for a rookie seasoned," says Iowa manager Pete Mackanin. but he emerged as a power threat in Triple-A with 22 homers, was the MVP in the Venezuelan winter league and again in the Caribbean World Series.

"This is going to be the best opportunity I've had, ever," he says. Primarily a first baseman, he hasn't played much outfield since 198S, but that may not matter. A left-handed batter, he could fit the Jerry Mumphrey role. Gary Varsho 3 to 1. The club's only competent pinch-hitter last season he's seen as a part-time player by most everyone but himself.

"I want to be a starter," he says. "That's got to be a goal." An average outfielder without much power, but a tireless worker. A foot injury has set him back in camp, but the organization knows what he can do. Dwight Smith 4 to 1. He was knocking at the door last spring, was a late cut and might be ready now.

"He hasn't been a consistent player," says Frey, and Smith, who hit .293 at Iowa, knows it. "I'm more experienced and more confident," he says. He's hit at every level, and insists his defense, best described as erratic, has improved. "I can show them better than I can tell them," he says. He'll get the chance.

Doug Dascenzo to 1. After a good season in Triple-A (.295, 30 steals), he was brought up to the big club in September, impressed early, then depressed. He missed signs, didn't bunt and generally did things 5-foot-7-inch outfielders, even switch-hitters, can't afford to do when the boss is watching. "1 didn't do some things right, and they let me know about it," he says. "This is a new year." If Walton isn't ready, Dascenzo's chances skyrocket.

Reid Nichols 5 to 1. Out of baseball at the start of last year didn't leave the game by he got a reprieve in July when Texas needed Triple-A bodies. At 30, he's still a good outfielder, and his 24 games at first base in Oklahoma City last season are a plus. Batting right-handed is another. And he could handle sitting on the bench.

Derrick May 10 to 1. He has hit .320, .295 and .305 in Class A but won't turn 21 until July. At 6-4 and left-handed, he looks a little like Darryl Strawberry, has a great swing and needs time. "I'm realistic," he says. "I'm not saying that I can't make the team now, but there are a lot of very talented people ahead of me." Watch out in a couple of years, though.

Says Piersall: "He got more power than all of them." Cubs notes was Cleared to pitch Monday against the Angels. The Cubs are almost assured of a fifth straight year of drawing more than 100,000 at HoHoKam park, now 400 seats larger than last year, but there remains a chance they won't be In Arizona after 1990. "We still have a consultant looking at both Florida and Arizona," said club President Don Grenesko. "We haven't resolved the thing yet." Last aprlng, Oakland's Glenn Hubbard took a Jeff Hlrech fastball In the face. Hubbard waa with the A's Saturday, trying to win a second-base fob.

Hlrsch, who split last year between Trlple-A and Double-A, was with the Cubs, hoping to stick. "Every time he came up during the playoffs and World Serlaa, one of the announcers would say he was hit In spring training by me," Hlrsch said. "It's unfortunate It happened, but ft hasn't aflected the way I'm throwing. I'm still the tame pitcher. I'm a little wild, so It could happen again." Alan Solomon Chicago Tribune MESA, Ariz.

Mark Qrace and Andre Dawson, their mini-feud over, shook hands again Saturday this time alter Grace's two-run homer, which sparked the Cubs to a 5-4 victory over the Oakland A before a HoHoKam Park record crowd of 8.963. Grace's homer off Storm Davie, after Dawson reached on Walt Welts' error In the third, broke a 1-1 tie. Mitch Webster was 3 for 3 with a double. Mike Hartley gave up a run in the first, a balk contributing, then pitched two strong Innings. Scott Sandereon relieved and gave up a run In the fifth.

Steve Wilson threw two scoreless Innings, and Goose Gossage worked his first spring Inning. Throwing almost all breaking slufl got to crawl before you can Gossage tanned Terry Stelnbach, walked the next three, then Weiss hit Into a double play. Dean Wllklnt gave up Steve Howard's two-run homer In the ninth but got a save. Outfielder Held Nichols was out with a stomach virus. Greg Maddux, okay after elbow soreness, Compiled by Rich Lorenz from wire reports '1'.