Union rep sees hope, tentatively

CLEVELAND -- Rays player representative John Flaherty and alternate Randy Winn took part in a 21/2 hour conference call with the union's executive board Tuesday afternoon.

"I think today's call was probably cautiously optimistic," said Flaherty, who briefed the rest of the team before batting practice at Jacobs Field. "There's still a lot more work to be done."

Though a strike date was not discussed during the call, Flaherty has made plans to spend his off day Monday in Chicago if an executive board meeting is called.

Twenty of baseball's 30 teams, including the Rays, are scheduled to be off that day. Depending on how negotiations progress this week, a strike date could be set then.

"I made plans with the hopes that they will be canceled before it comes to that," Flaherty said.

The Rays came to an early consensus about what they were looking for. So far, it has been what the union is seeking.

"This group, to their credit, wanted to know the issues, wanted to know where we're at," Flaherty said of his teammates. "They've been very positive and very united."

The union and baseball have agreed on lesser issues in recent days but are just beginning to negotiate the larger issues of drug testing, revenue sharing and a luxury tax.

"Everybody still has the same feeling and we're very united in the fact that if it does come to (an impasse), then we're all prepared to do what we have to do to get that process rolling," Flaherty said. "If that includes setting a strike date, that's what we're going to have to do."

A NEW LEASE: Do not expect a repeat of Friday's dugout dustup with manager Hal McRae when Tanyon Sturtze pitches against the Indians.

Upset about being pulled with a 5-3 lead against the White Sox at Tropicana Field, Sturtze overturned a water cooler that landed on McRae's leg as he walked toward the dugout exit, prompting McRae to shove Sturtze in the back.

"That wasn't me," Sturtze said. "It was just the whole year. It's just been really frustrating for me. ...

"It just kind of came to a point that night. I didn't handle it exactly the way I should've handled it. After the game I realized it."

Winless since June 26, the Rays' 2001 MVP and opening day starter leads the American League in hits allowed (186) and walks allowed (67) and has received the worst run support in the league (3.26 per nine innings).

"I feel I need to get it going, especially now that it's later in the season," Sturtze said. "I think I've pitched in some good ballgames, but overall I haven't pitched well.

"I really need to get things rolling and put some W's on the board. Not only for me, but for the team."

NO LUCK: Felix Escalona wound up 0-for-4 but could have been 2-for-4 were it not for two diving stops by the Indians.

Centerfielder Milton Bradley robbed Escalona of at least a single in the first by diving to grab a short fly to left-centerfield. Gold Glove shortstop Omar Vizquel, in the eighth inning and with a runner on first, snagged a grounder up the middle and started a double play while lying on his stomach behind second base.

"I hit that ball pretty good," Escalona said. "I don't know how many Gold Gloves he's got. But he's one of the best shortstops. It's kind of a routine play for him.

"What am I going to say? It was a great play."

ODDS AND ENDS: Minor-league infielder Jason Smith, who was designated for assignment to make room for Russ Johnson's placement on the 15-day disabled list Friday, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Durham. ... Steve Cox started as designated hitter for the fourth consecutive game. He has been slowed by a sore left arch. ... Six of the Rays' nine complete games this season have come on a Tuesday.