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Timing of contraction ruling iffy

NEW YORK -- An arbitrator's decision on whether owners can fold franchises may be known today, according to a management lawyer, but a top union official thought it might be delayed again.

Rob Manfred, baseball's top labor lawyer, said he thought arbitrator Shyam Das' contraction decision was imminent. Das said he would try to rule by July 15, then asked for a delay until today

But Gene Orza, second in command of the players' association, said he wasn't sure when Das would rule.

"My sense is that in an absence of a call from the arbitrator (Wednesday), the decision will not be issued (today)," Orza said. "He was told to use his best efforts to issue a decision on or about Aug. 1. He isn't duty bound by it."

Players filed a grievance, claiming the Nov. 6 decision by owners to fold two franchises (later identified by management lawyers as Montreal and Minnesota) violated the rules of the previous labor contract, which remains in force.

Owners said they had the right to shut down teams and needed to bargain with players only on the effects of contraction, such as a dispersal draft.

Negotiators for players and owners met for about an hour Wednesday to discuss benefits and minimum salaries, and both sides said they were close to agreements on those topics.

"We made good progress on both issues and are certainly closer to an agreement in those areas than we were previously," Manfred said.

Orza concurred: "I think we're moving toward agreement in those areas."

Neither side provided details of the new proposals.

ASTROS: Right-handed reliever Jim Mann was ejected after hitting the Mets' Rey Ordonez with a pitch in the fifth inning.

D'BACKS: Left-hander Randy Johnson struck out 10 or more for the 180th time, second to Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan's 215.

EXPOS: Leftfielder Wil Cordero left in the eighth because of a cramp in his left calf muscle.

MARINERS: Edgar Martinez plans to be Seattle's designated hitter for at least one more season. His hamstring is healthy again, and the 39-year-old figures if he can contribute he'll keep playing. "I know I can still play and produce and help the team," Martinez said. "The day I know I can't help, it will be a lot easier for me to retire." There was talk Monday he might call it quits after completing this injury-shortened season.

ORIOLES: Outfielder Chris Richard was activated from the 60-day disabled list, and second baseman Brian Roberts was optioned to Triple-A Rochester.

RANGERS: Alex Rodriguez hit his 277th career home run, tying Ernie Banks for second among shortstops. Cal Ripken leads with 345.

REDS: Gabe White, the team's top left-handed reliever, was activated off the 15-day disabled list. Right-hander Chris Reitsma was optioned to Triple-A Louisville.

ROCKIES: The contract of right-hander Victor Santos was purchased from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

YANKEES: Closer Mariano Rivera, out with a strained right shoulder, reported no problems after throwing off flat ground for the second straight day at the minor-league complex. Rivera was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday, two days after feeling continued tightness in his shoulder after playing catch in the bullpen before a game at Cleveland. ... Outfielder Juan Rivera, rehabilitating a fractured right kneecap, went 0-for-3 with a walk in his first Gulf Coast League game.

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