PHOENIX - After just four days on the job, Wally Backman was fired Friday as manager of the Diamondbacks because of two arrests and financial problems he kept from the team.
The Diamondbacks replaced Backman with ex-Seattle manager Bob Melvin, their bench coach when they won the 2001 World Series.
Before hiring Backman, Arizona didn't do criminal or financial checks and was unaware of his problems until reported Tuesday in the New York Times.
After the team's investigation, managing partner Ken Kendrick said, "We determined that it wasn't in the Diamondbacks' interest or our fans' interest that Wally be our manager."
Backman did not sign a contract and won't be compensated, Kendrick said. Calls to Backman were referred to his agent, Terry Bross, who was unavailable for comment.
Backman pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment for a 2001 fight at his home involving his wife and one of her friends. He also was convicted for driving at the level at which a person is presumed impaired in 2000. And he filed for bankruptcy several years ago.
Melvin went 93-69 in his first season with Seattle but was fired after this season's 63-99.
"I know it's kind of a roundabout way, and maybe it hasn't occurred this way before," he said. "But it doesn't take away from the fact that I'm excited to be here in a place that I feel like I should be."
Houston star outfielder tears ACL
HOUSTON - Astros outfielder Lance Berkman might miss the start of next season after tearing the ACL in his right knee while playing flag football during a church event.
Berkman, a three-time All-Star who hit .316 with 30 homers and 106 RBIs this past season, will have surgery within 10 days and be out 5-6 months.
Berkman is eligible for arbitration. So he is not under a contract that prohibits nonbaseball activities. Houston general manager Tim Purpura said he is uncertain of the injury's implications on the arbitration hearing or future contract talks.
CUBS: Shortstop Neifi Perez signed a $1-million, one-year deal with incentives of $1.5-million. GM Jim Hendry said he still hopes to sign shortstop Nomar Garciaparra. After signing Aug.19, Perez hit .371 with two homers and six RBIs in 23 games.
METS: Left-hander Al Leiter filed provisionally for free agency, awaiting a decision by the team on its $10-million option. The team likely won't exercise the option but will try to negotiate a new deal, general manager Omar Minaya said. Leiter, who turned 39 last month, was 10-8 with a 3.21 ERA this past season.
RED SOX: An exam of pitcher Curt Schilling's right ankle was postponed due to a scheduling conflict. Doctors are expected to examine the dislocated tendon today and operate Tuesday.
YANKEES: Jon Lieber's $8-million option was declined, making the right-hander eligible for free agency. Lieber, recovering from major elbow surgery, went 14-8 with a 4.33 ERA in the regular season and 1-1 with a 3.43 ERA in three postseason starts. New York said it wants to re-sign him.
Expos' move to D.C. threatened
WASHINGTON - The chair of the Washington, D.C., Council proposed a new ballpark be built next to RFK Stadium instead of a site south of the U.S. Capitol, a plan that could prevent the Expos from moving there.
Linda Cropp said the stadium would cost $600-million on the original site, far above the estimate in the $435-million deal Mayor Anthony Williams signed in September. Moving the site, she said, could save $83-million in land acquisition.
Washington's contract with the Expos calls for funding for a ballpark at the original site to be approved by Dec. 31 and does not allow for a change in site without the team's approval.
"This is going to blow the thing up," a livid Williams said.
Cropp said she is willing to risk losing the Expos. Her plan is supported by three Council members. There are 13 members, and seven must approve a plan. But three Council members who supported Williams' plan were ousted in the Democratic primary by candidates who have criticized Williams' deal.
