The Boston Globe from Boston, Massachusetts • 78

THE BOSTON GLOBE WEDNESDAY, JULY 1, 1992 Barbs from Buffalo Head still sharp i I 'It used to be 25 guys trying to please one man. Now it's one man Hobson trying to please 25 HHC. RON HEXTALL One of five to Quebec BILL LEE By Miro Weinberger CONTRIBUTING REPORTER CAMBRIDGE "It's great to be; alive in this day and age," announced former Red Sox pitcher Bill Lee near the start of yesterday's New England Grey Sox press luncheon at the Royal So-nesta. He has long been known for criticizing the Red Sox a practice that eventually got him traded to Montreal and Lee sensed that the mood was ripe again for Sox bashing. "Frank Tanana beat them Monday night, it couldn't be a greater morning.

"This is going to be one of my better hitting said Lee, swinging an imaginary bat And, with a jovial air, he proceeded to fill nun i it if IT Nj1' 44 Ht-JT -J frtunf OTM ll i III Lindros rights to Flyers LINDROS Continued from Page 73 Gordie Howe and the size of Mario Lemieux. "Very seldom do you get a chance to trade for this kind of A summary of the facts in the Eric Lindros dispute, according to arbitrator Lawrence Bertuzzh (1) Negotiations took place between Philadelphia and Quebec for a number of days before Friday, June 19, with discussions on all three components of a possible deal. (2) About 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nordiques president Marcel Aubut met with Flyers president Jay Snider to try to convince him to improve the player and draft pick components from earlier discussions. (3) About 8:30 p.m., Philadelphia made an offer (Exhibit P-l), which altered all three components of its position, including reducing the money.

(4) Both Philadelphia and Aubut learned Friday from Lindros' agent that there may be impediments to Lindros signing a contract with any club. Aubut also learned of the agent's position that he would much prefer that the deal not be with Philadelphia. (5) Aubut made a telephone appeal to Ed Snider, Philadelphia's majority owner, in Los Angeles, to attempt to have the money brought to its earlier level. It was left that Aubut should work with Jay Snider on the players and draft picks and Ed Snider would speak to Jay Snider regarding the money. (6) About 1 a.m.

Saturday, June 20, Aubut delivered a paper (Exhibit P-2) to Jay Snider setting out Aubut's position on players, draft picks and cash tell-' ing him "this is the deal." (7) Saturday morning, Jay Snider (hereafter all references to Snider are to Jay) phoned Aubut to discuss various elements of the player and draft pick components and alternatives on the cash element. Snider also repeated his request to speak to the Lindros family regarding Lindros' preparedness to report to Philadelphia but this was refused by Aubut. (8) About 10:30 a.m., Snider phoned Aubut and accepted all the terms set out on the paper (Exhibit P-2) Aubut had presented to him at 1 a.m. The discus- sion also specified that the cash was to be paid in four equal annual installments with interest payable to "actualize" it if Aubut wanted the cash over a longer period of time. There is disagreement over the exact words used at the end of this call but, suffice it to say, Snider had agreed to all of Aubut's terms, albeit subject to his earlier stated condition.

(9) Since the arrangement contained a reference to a 1992 draft pick, and since it was conditional on Lindros signing with Philadelphia, the parties had previously discussed the mechanism for making the 1992 selection. The problem was that if Lindros signed a contract, the condition was satisfied and the pick belonged to Quebec, but if Philadelphia could not sign Lindros, the deal became inoperative and the pick remained Philadelphia's. Aubut had earlier suggested the general managers work it out and, if a problem arose, Aubut and Snider would decide. (10) Russ Farwell, the Philadelphia general manager, phoned Quebec GM Pierre Page to discuss this issue. Page suggested it would be "no problem" and that he would meet him on the draft floor.

Notwithstanding Farwell's desire to wrap up the deal at that line suuia an lieius. His first target? Whom would you think? "You know Zim says he's going to retire at the end of the year," said Lee. men, snruggmg his shoulders, palms upturned, he aMo4 "WW wait?" player, Harwell said. We thought we were obligated to pursue it." Reportedly, the Rangers offered forwards Sergei Nem-chinov, Tony Amonte and Alexie Kovalev, defenseman James Patrick and either of two goalies, John Vanbies-brouck or Mike Richter. But there was much more a cou-' Criticizing Don Zimmer is old hat for the former member of the Buffalo Heads a 1970s group of Red Sox players who dubbed Zimmer "The Gerbil." Lee, however, soon moved into uncharted territory.

On Roger Clemens: "He has no brains and no heart; he's got that hand," said Lee, imitating a pitcher reflexively handing the GLOBE STAFF PHOTO JANET KNOTT Once again, Bill Lee Is taking New England by storm. nings." That was a reference to both of which Clemens left with Game 6 of the 1986 World Series leads that were soon lost. and Game 1 of the 1988 playoffs, On the Red Sox coaching situ- ball to his manager. "Don't give up the ball. If you are" the best pitcher in baseball, throw nine in- pie of first-round draft picks and $20 million.

Before sitting down with the arbitrator, Toronto attorney Larry Bertuzzi, all three' teams agreed, to waive the right to appeal the decision through the courts. As rino micrVit PYtiorf Ror-. ation: "You've got Rick Burleson, who's a jerk." On former teammates Fred Lynn and Jim Rice, who Lee hoped would join him and other former Red Sox players on the Grey Sox barnstorming tour later this summer: "They're afraid they are going to look bad." Lee even ripped this year's presidential hopefuls. "I don't think any of the candidates have the pulse of America," said Lee, adding that he is not resurrecting his campaign for president. In other years, he has run -as a member of the Bull Moose Party, but feels that Ross Perot has taken away much of the third-party vote.

Lee was sympathetic, however, to Butch Hobson, recognizing the difficulty of managing the Red Sox. "It used to be 25 guys trying to please one man," he said. "Now it's one man trying to please 25. guys. "I had a dream about him last night.

He had a shadowy look to his face. An emaciated, gray look to him. He's not what all you people perceived him to be. He's not a kick-ass guy with other people. He's a nice guy, a good friend." Lee would love to be invited back into the fold with his former teammate.

"I think I could help them, not as a pitcher but as a coach," he said. "I would like a minor league job. Of course, the minor leaguers would have to listen to me completely. Running, stretching -having a few beers if they are nervous." To quiet Matt Young's nerves, pitching coach Spaceman would tap into a stronger drug. "I would run Matt Young, run him 6 miles every day until he gets his breathing down," said Lee.

"You get a secretion from running long distances in the back of your brain that slows you down; When you're exhausted, your mind is clear." But Lee seems to realize that Red Sox jobs probably won't be coming his way soon. So the 45-year-old self-proclaimed hippie is prepared to keep doing indefinitely what he has been doing every year since the age of 8. Pitch. "I have pitched in China and Russia, but not in Australia or Africa," he said. "But I will.

By the time I die, I will have pitched in Casablanca." Lee's Grey Sox to tour N.E. tuzzfs decision didn't please the Rangers, who wre tnld nf. if Vio1f.fi mil Viofnro it woe By Miro Weinberger CONTRIBUTING REPORTER made public. "When I finished reading silpnt. thnncht.

was nit ntT" nncrpe nf a nrl written nnfaa in time, he understood Page's logic and did not foresee a major problem. (1 1) Snider asked Aubut for Lindros' phone number so that he could contact Lindros and determine Lindros' attitude about playing in Philadelphia. Aubut promised he would get the number. (12) Meanwhile, Aubut met with Lindros' agent and asked him to contact the family. Upon being asked "Who is it?" speaking toll people (Lindros.

included) during the five days' oi testimony, it was tne con-, elusion of 10 difficult days." Rangers president-general JAY SNIDER The major player manager Neil Smith, who was attending AHL meetings in Hilton Head, S.C., released a' season ended. After the league folded, he decided to do it anyway. In addition to Lee and Jones, ex-Red Sox Bob Stanley, Mario Guerrero, Jim Willoughby, Dave Stapleton, Bernie Carbo, Dick McAuliffe, Ferguson Jenkins and Bill Buckner, plus non-Boston players George Foster, Tug McGraw, Billy Almon and Ozzie Virgil Jr. will compete. Rogelio Moret, who started his career 41-18 with Boston, but later had drug and mental problems, is reportedly healthy and will fly in from Puerto Rico to join the The players will have their expenses paid and will make somewhere between $5,000 and $7,500, depending on the gate.

The Grey Sox played one game last season in Bristol, and drew 5,000 fans. The turnout was enough to warrant an expanded tour this year to Nashua, N.H., (Aug. 1), Pittsfield (Aug. 2), Lynn (Aug. 5), Bangor, Maine, (Aug.

7), and Burlington, Vt. (Aug. 9). Tickets will cost and can be ordered by phone at 1-800-828-7080. (The Maine and Vermont tickets will "be sold locally.) Opportunities for autographs will be included with admission.

Russek says the owners will spend about $150,000 this year and expect to lose about $25,000. The goal is to establish a permanent tour that will expand and eventually make money. Next year the plan is for Russian and Australian teams and perhaps a Graig Nettles-run Yankee squad to barnstorm as well. two-sentence statement fol- CAMBRIDGE You have to go to the Red Sox. The Grey Sox will come to you.

The New England Grey Sox, a barnstorming troupe made up primarily of ex-Boston players, announced yesterday that they will play five games against amateur teams in four New England states this August Principal team owner Jim Russek, ownermanagerpitcherex-Red Sox left-' hander Bill Lee and former Sox infielder Dalton Jones made the annoucement at a press conference in the Royal Sonesta. The Grey Sox grew directly out of the defunct Senior League, which was made up of ex-major leaguers who competed in Florida during the winters of 1989 and 1990. Russek, -who owns an advertising business, was part-owner of the Winter Haven Super Sox for the first season until he determined that the people he was' working with had no sense of how the league should be run and marketed. Russek pulled out the second year and wasn't surprised when the league folded. "I felt that we as owners really let the players down," said Russek.

"I owethese guys a chance to do this right" Russek had planned to have the Super Sox New England after the Senior League lowing the decision: UTU V.l, T)o 4. 1 arc naiui aiiy uisapiJuinueu uy the arbitrator's decision. However, we have an exciting, iiTinninfr am nnri will mntinnp tn niirsne everv on- portunity to mane it even net- ter." 1 I. I A. I dui ai.

wast uue naiiger was delighted by the decision Amonte, the former Boston TT 1 1 1' university SKater wno scorea 35 eroals in his initial NHL sea-' ortn anA wao finalist fnr thp" This summer, it's music to our eras at Fenway Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year). "I never wanted to leave New York," the Hing-hanj native said. "It's probably the greatest city of all." And what does Lindros think of it all? He says his bags are packed and he can't wait to start his NHL career. "It's been a long 15 months," he' said at a press conference. "I'm just happy to get out of Quebec.

They lacked a winning spirit I didn't want any part of it" Added Rick Curran, Lindros' agent, "After a frustrating year for Eric and his family, it's a great relief to know' that, like all the other young' guys who dream of putting on, an NHL sweater, Eric now knows which sweater that will be." Mnt nnif cr foot TVio TTr Aubut responded, "It's Philadelphia." In response to the agent's plea "Why Philadelphia?" Aubut responded, "because it had the best offer." (13) After 45-50 minutes, Aubut provided Lindros' number to Snider, who phoned the Lindros family. (14) During this conversation, Snider welcomed Lindros to Philadelphia and determined his interest about playing there. There were also discussions on contract negotiations with Lindros' father setting out procedural conditions and setting a skeletal framework for a deal so "Philadelphia would know where we were coming from and have an understanding of our expectations." This call apparently generated much excitement in both the Lindros residence and the Philadelphia hotel suite. (15) During the call, Aubut came to the Philadelphia suite and asked "Is it OK? Is it OK?" or "How is it?" At this, Snider smiled and gave him the "thumbs up" sign. Aubut left before the call ended and asked that they call him.

This was 11:30 to 11:40 a.m. (16) After the call with Lindros, Snider went to Aubut's corridor where Aubut suggested he was having problems with his board or partners and asked Snider to drop his condition regarding having to sign Lindros to a contract. (It should be noted that this was Aubut's first reference to his board or partners having a role in the negotiations. In fact, Aubut made it quite clear in his testimony that he had the authority to do the deal saying "me and nobody In view of Snider's telephone call with Lindros, Aubut's request was not out of the question for Snider, but he responded, have to talk to my people." Snider understood he had a deal by this point and Aubut was merely trying to renegotiate, both for certainty of the deal and to satisfy one of his partners. Aubut's evidence was not inconsistent with this understanding in that he admitted that Snider asked how they were going to handle the press.

Snider left Aubut's suite at or before 11:50 to consider the dropping of the Lindros contract condition which would have made all things including the draft pick and the announcement of the trade tidier. (17) About noon, Aubut came to Snider's suite and announced he was taking a New York offer, stating that his board said he had to take it. It is common ground between Quebec and New York, so it was evident the deal was concluded about 1 1:50 a.m. Snider responded emphatically, "We had a deal." (18) Farwell could not find Page at the Forum before he received a call from Snider informing him of Aubut's position regarding a New York deal. After that call, Farwell made no further attempt to find Page and instead made the draft pick in question, without Quebec's input.

Quebec suggests no deal was made with Philadelphia in that there was no meeting of the minds. It suggests that the test is a test of the reasonable man and that the Philadelphia "deal" was never agreed to by Aubut. Further, it suggests there were two other key items that were still outstanding, namely, the time limit for the Lindros contract condition and the mechanism for making the 1992 draft pick. Philadelphia, on the other hand, says that Jay Snider accepted Aubut's counter-position as written (Exhibit P-2) and the condition regarding Lindros was understood and agreed. The time frame for satisfying the condition was always described as very short Further, Quebec had suggested the draft pick mechanism was no problem and should be dealt with on the draft floor, thereby, as it turned out effectively preventing Philadelphia from getting Quebec's input into the pick.

Philadelphia, like Quebec, also relied on common sense contract principles and suggested an enforceable deal was made between itself and Quebec New York agreed with Quebec's submissions and suggeted that the absence of a time frame on the Lindros contract condition was the key to finding that no l' VlMI turned for his third Red Sox tour Monday night "Why did they do it to change things?" asks Jeff Rear-don, a Massachusetts native who grew up listening to Kiley with the rest of us. "I'm definitely in favor of it," says Wade Boggs, the Sox senior citizen in terms of continuous service. "It livens up the place. I think the fans will like it, too. We've got to get out of the '40s." The only other time rock music was played at Fenway was early in the 1989 season when the franchise was waiting for a new organ after construction of the 600 Club.

When the organ arrived, the rock was junked. Now it's back, and there's a chance that rock roll is here to stay. "It's almost like we're test-marketing it to see what the fans' reactions will be," says Goldenberg. "All I know is that people were dancing in Fenway last night" Dancing in Fenway. Despite last night's pulsating victory, this has been a dreadful BoSox team.

The 1992 Red Sox have been the boys of bummer. There haven't been enough moments like last night's bottom of the ninth. We should applaud management for trying alternative ways to entertain paving customers. It's only rock and roll, but we like it txro. otfll Viovo tn cicm T.inHma Famous as the only person ever to play for the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Patriots, Kiley got his start playing the organ for silent movies after studying at the Boston Conservatory.

He last played Fenway in 1990. Kiley was there when Ted Williams homered in his final at bat in 1960. He played the Hallelujah Chorus when Carlton Fisk won Game 6 in 1975. He played "My Way" for Carl Yastrzemski when Yaz hung it up in '83 was Yaz' "I didn't do much rock," Kiley says. "I didn't like it.

Something about it didn't seem to fit into a ballgame. It just didn't seem to be part of baseball." Purists will insist that Riley's right And wrhen future generations trace the decline of modern civilization, they no doubt will cite June 29, 1992 the night the Kingsmen's unintelligible lyrics splashed down on the Fenway fandom. How did this happen? Larry Cancro, Red Sox vice president in charge of marketing, says, "The idea generally came from ownership." Whoa. Ownership? Don't tell us Haywood Sullivan came into a room, snapping his fingers and saying, "How Tbout we play some Fine Young Cannibals between innings from now on?" Cancro says it was John Harrington who initiated the rock talks. Harrington apparently was impressed with crowds' reactions to rock songs in Atlanta during last year's World Series.

And if thev can t7 It a OSHAUGHNESSY Continued from Page 73 You get Gershwin, Porter, Sausa. Standards. Before the home half of seventh, you get "Take Me Out To The Ballgame." Roll out th0 barrel. Well have a barrel of fun. Wunnerful, wunnerful.

Now, they're tossing us a little Tommy James and the Shondells. Oi the first night of Fenway Rock, the four oldie hits played were "Summer in the City," "Tequila," "Mony, Mony," and "Louie, Louie." Last night they trotted out "Fingertips" (Stevie Wonder) and "I'm a Believer" (The Mon-kees). OK, so it's not exactly Woodstock or the Monterey Film Festival Don't expect Warren Zevon or Led- Zeppelin. It's a start Meanwhile, we wonder if the Sox brass knows that "Mony, Mony" has been banned from high school proms because kids added an! unofficial and obscene chorus. And are the Fenway fathers aware that "Louie, Louie" was the subject of an FCC investigation, which was dropped only because the lyrics were deemed unintelligible? The estimable John Kiley, who played the organ at Fenway for 40 years, is surprised to hear that rock' music finally is bouncing off the left field wall.

"I never thought they'd go to the 79-year-old Kiley says from his New Hampshire home. "I guess if the public wants it, you have to give it to 'em. I never liked it, but that's going to be the trend, Tm alaid." unique situation said Rangers spokesman Kevin Mc- ivohit7 Aiiln trn holr intA tha draft next year if he doesn't sien." Assuming Lindros does ink a dpfll. what remains tn hp dp- Don't tell us Haywood Sullivan came into a room, snapping his fingers and saying, 'How T)out we play some Fine Young Cannibals between innings from now Cancro took the message to Jeff Goldenberg, the Sox manager of communications (he plays the songs) and they came up with a list for Monday's game. "We're going to experiment with it," says Cancro.

"We know people in Boston like tradition, but we hope this will be successful" Red Sox players had various reactions. "I thought they did it because of me," says Steve Lyons, who re ii ronninon ic rna lmnarr nn v. er uckci pnees. i ney ve raisetr them each of the last two sea-- sons (top price $35; $40 day of-; game) even though they've" failed to make the riavoffs the last thrpp vpjir Philadelphia had a player payroll of $10 mil- lion last season and lost $2 mil- lion. ripal pnistpff S'Th a fyt I 1L.

-I i iii i interim rn rrn ijip Mssaunutrti Dan Shaughnessy is a Globe 1 present in the New York-Quebec deal. I Press was us? in this repent i.