Baseball

Computer appraisal leads to grievance

NEW YORK -- Umpires filed a grievance against major-league teams Wednesday, charging that the computer system chosen to evaluate them was not reliable.

Umpires also have filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board over management's refusal to provide information about the Questec Umpire Information System. Management lawyers met with the NLRB's general counsel in Washington to discuss the charge. The NLRB has not made a decision.

In the grievance, the World Umpires Association said the computer system "is too heavily dependent upon decisions and actions by the Questec ballpark operators." Umpires also said it "often incorrectly interprets the strike zone, producing inconsistencies between strike zones from ballpark to ballpark and from day to day in the same ballpark."

Umpires said the system "frequently malfunctions" and "has not been subjected to independent evaluations, reviews or reports."

In a Feb.14 letter to the union, management said umpires whose calls do not match Questec at least 90 percent of the time will be judged as not meeting standards.

"Our view is this is just the latest attempt by the WUA to avoid an agreement that clearly allows the commissioner's office to utilize Questec," said Rob Manfred, executive vice president of labor relations in the commissioner's office.

Cone's return promising

JUPITER -- David Cone, who once pitched a perfect game, happily settled for a perfect inning.

In his first appearance in his comeback with the Mets, Cone retired the Marlins 1-2-3 in the fourth inning. The game was his first since Oct.6, 2001, when he pitched eight innings to help the Red Sox beat the Orioles.

"I earned my meal money today," he said.

The right-hander, 40, also earned a standing ovation when he walked off the mound.

"That was really nice," he said. "I've had my doubts as to whether I should be trying this. When things like that happen, it makes it worthwhile."

A reluctant retiree last year, Cone now is bidding for a job as the Mets' fifth starter. Seven of his 15 pitches were strikes, and he fell behind every batter, but he threw everything in his repertoire.

ASTROS: Right-hander Brandon Puffer had an X-ray of his tender right elbow. Results should be available today.

CUBS: Infielder Mark Grudzielanek will be out for several days at least after spraining his ankle in a home-plate collision with Angels catcher Bengie Molina. Grudzielanek sprained the ankle earlier in spring training, but the latest injury is in a different spot. X-rays did not show any breaks, but Grudzielanek was walking with a cane.

MARINERS: Shortstop Carlos Guillen was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service for negligent driving. Guillen was stopped by suburban Clyde Hill, Wash., police June 13 while driving 89 mph, 29 over the speed limit. Judge Albert M. Raines also ordered Guillen to pay a fine of $1,000. The judge said Guillen's community service must include at least 20 speaking engagements to warn young people of the dangers of drunken driving. ... Outfield prospect Jamal Strong will miss at least 10-14 days after dislocating his left shoulder while sliding into third base against the Angels. He is expected to have an MRI this week.

ORIOLES: If the Reds make Ken Griffey available for a trade this spring, Baltimore won't let money stand in the way. Owner Peter Angelos has given permission to take on the $79-million Griffey has remaining over the final six years of his contract, the Baltimore Sun reported.

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