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Around area camps

By BOB BROOKOVER, MIKE RUTSEY and Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 23, 2002

Bowa mad after TV tapes him

CLEARWATER -- Controversy brewed this week when Phillies manager Larry Bowa had an animated private conversation with third baseman Scott Rolen and followed that with a private chat with general manager Ed Wade.

The latter conversation was recorded by three Philadelphia television stations. The stations contemplated airing the criticism of Rolen, who questioned the ownership's commitment when explaining why he wants to be a free agent after this season.

None of the stations aired the remarks, but a Philadelphia radio station released excerpts of the conversation between Wade and Bowa. The manager went on the air and disputed those excerpts and the means by which they were acquired.

"I was tired of hearing the lies," he said. "They didn't have their facts. ... To me, this is all a non-issue."

BOTTALICO HAS NEW INCENTIVES: Ricky Bottalico's contract for this season was restructured Friday, giving the veteran reliever a chance to earn $150,000 in bonuses based on appearances. In return Bottalico accepted a club option for 2003.

Bottalico's original contract included a salary of $1.5-million and bonuses of $25,000 for 15 games finished, $50,000 each for 20 and 25 games, $75,000 each for 30 and 40 games, and $125,000 for 50 games. He now can add $50,000 each if he appears in 55, 60 and 65 games.

The team got a $1.75-million option for 2003 with a $50,000 buyout.

PHAN FEST POSTPONED: Rain forced postponement of Phan Fest at Jack Russell Stadium. The event was rescheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday.

TUGGER IN CAMP: Reliever Tug McGraw, who recorded the final out of the Phillies' World Series win in 1980, is scheduled to join the team today as a special spring training instructor. Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt will be in camp in the same role.

Happy to be here

DUNEDIN -- The Blue Jays' Darrin Fletcher has a simple goal. He just wants to have fun.

"I'm just glad I got through last year," said the veteran catcher, who because of back problems was limited to a .226 average, 11 homers and 56 RBIs. "I'm just glad it's over and I'm determined this year to make amends. I didn't have any fun last year."

His problems didn't go unnoticed, and pitchers quickly changed their patterns against him.

"Before, they'd try to always pitch me away," he said. "I'm an inside fastball hitter and they were beating me there. This year I'm determined not to be beat inside."

THUMBS UP: Rain kept the Jays off the field, but it didn't stop them from putting in a full day.

They took advantage of the new facilities that are part of a renovation project at Dunedin Stadium.

"We are very pleased with the new facility, it was excellent," manager Buck Martinez said. "We have three mounds and three batting cages (covered and just outside what will be the new clubhouse)."

BOWLS 'EM OVER: Not to leave any stone unturned in a continuing quest to acquire talent, Martinez said the club will check out a South African cricket bowler who was recommended by a friend. "All I know is he's 18 and he works on a fishing boat," Martinez said.

Gooden stays home

TAMPA -- While the Yankees maintained a wall of silence surrounding Dwight Gooden's future with the team, there were subtle signs his front office job is in jeopardy.

The former Yankee's phone calls to George Steinbrenner weren't returned Thursday, and Gooden's nameplate was removed from his parking space at Legends Field.

The 37-year-old former Cy Young Award winner was arrested Tuesday on drunken driving charges, the most recent problem in his history of substance abuse.

Gooden was told to remain home in St. Petersburg for the foreseeable future. He is a member of the team's advisory board, working both in and out of uniform.

MATTINGLY HOSPITALIZED: Former Yankee and guest instructor Don Mattingly remained hospitalized with back pain a day after being hurt in a drill.

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