Sports: Baseball briefs

Baseball briefs

Compiled from Times wires

Sirotka's injured arm sparks Jay's ill will for White Sox

TORONTO -- Mike Sirotka, traded to Toronto by the White Sox last month in a deal for David Wells, has a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder and may miss the season.

Sirotka is scheduled to be examined Tuesday by Dr. James Andrews before a final decision is made on how to repair the labrum, the edge of a structure in the shoulder joint.

The Blue Jays acquired the left-handed Sirotka on Jan. 14 as part of a six-player deal. While it is unlikely the trade would be rescinded, the Blue Jays may seek something else from the White Sox.

"Clearly some compensation is in order," Toronto general manager Gord Ash said. "This tear is categorically old."

But Chicago general manager Ken Williams said the White Sox honored their obligation and made any and all information they had about Sirotka available to the Blue Jays. "Both sides have assumed a certain amount of risk in making this trade," Williams said in a statement.

Right-hander Kelvim Escobar agreed to a $1.5-million, one-year contract. He went 10-15 last season with a 5.35 ERA.

CARDINALS: Craig Paquette avoided arbitration by agreeing to a $1.5-million, one-year contract. Paquette will contend with Shane Andrews for third base.

DIAMONDBACKS: Catcher Damian Miller won his case and a raise from $330,000 to $1.25-million. He hit .275 last season.

MARLINS: Former Rays executive Mike Veeck was hired as a business consultant. Veeck, son of former major-league owner and acclaimed promoter Bill Veeck, left Tampa Bay in May 1999 to spend more time with his daughter. The Marlins, in the process of building a retractable-roof park in Miami they hope will open in 2004, said Veeck and his company, MG Consultants, will assist in the development of new revenue opportunities.

PHILLIES: Right-hander Robert Person avoided arbitration and agreed to a one-year contract worth $2.975-million. Person was 9-7 with a 3.63 ERA in 28 starts last season.

RANGERS: Gabe Kapler was rewarded for a strong 2000 season, getting a $5.6-million, three-year contract. The outfielder hit .302 with 14 homers and 66 RBI in 116 games.

RAYS: The team will work overtime March 11, and spring training ticket-holders will get the reward. The Rays have added a split-squad game at 1:05 p.m. March 11 at Florida Power Park against the Phillies. Spring training season-ticket holders will receive free tickets in the mail. Tickets also can be purchased through Ticketmaster. A split squad also will play in Fort Myers against the Twins the same day. TIGERS: Shortstop Deivi Cruz agreed to a one-year contract worth $3.525-million. Cruz hit .302 last year with 82 RBI and five triples.

TWINS: Eric Milton agreed to a $21-million, four-year deal. The 25-year-old left-hander posted a 13-10 record with a 4.86 ERA last season.

- Staff writer John Romano contributed to this report.