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Ankle sprain hobbles Seay

By MARC TOPKIN

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 16, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- The official start of spring training is a day away, but the Rays have their first injury.

Top left-handed pitching prospect Bobby Seay, who has an outside shot to make the team as a reliever, moderately sprained his right ankle and will be sidelined or at least limited during the first few days of workouts.

Team officials said Seay was injured when he slipped on a staircase at his home Wednesday night. He showed up Thursday at the Naimoli training complex on crutches with his ankle heavily wrapped.

Seay, who declined comment, received treatment to reduce the swelling and is scheduled to be re-evaluated Saturday, when the Rays hope to determine how much time he will miss.

"Saturday we'll know more," trainer Jamie Reed said. "Typically an ankle that has been sprained many times, and his have been, usually you bounce back a little bit quicker."

REKAR AGREES TO DEAL: The Rays continued their perfect record in arbitration cases -- no wins, no losses, no fights.

The Rays agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.4-million contract with right-hander Bryan Rekar, clearing their slate of arbitration cases.

In four years, Tampa Bay has had more than 20 arbitration-eligible players but always has come to terms before a hearing.

"If there is a fair deal to be made for both sides, you're much better off settling than putting fate into the hands of an arbitration panel," general manager Chuck LaMar said. "I don't like to discuss the negatives of our players and, essentially, arbitration forces you to do that."

LaMar previously said Rekar could be the team's first case because they were far apart in early negotiations. The Rays submitted an arbitration figure of $1.2-million and Rekar was seeking $1.75-million. The $1.4-million was slightly less than midway, although the contract includes incentive clauses.

The Rays also announced third baseman Damian Rolls agreed to a one-year deal.

CAMP DETAILS: The Rays expect 34 pitchers and six catchers in uniform when they open camp at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Naimoli complex (7901 30th Ave. N). Overall, the Rays have invited 71 players, matching the Dodgers for the major-league high this spring. The Rays led the majors in their first two seasons, inviting 73 players in 1998 and 76 in 1999. They had 69 players at the start of last spring. Most ever? The 1982 A's had 82.

Jays-Sox feud simmers

DUNEDIN -- Mike Sirotka joined the Blue Jays, angry that White Sox general manager Kenny Williams jokingly referred to his injury situation as "shouldergate."

The left-hander was acquired from the White Sox Jan. 14 in the six-player trade that sent David Wells to Chicago. He is not sure whether he will pitch this year.

"I would really expect a little more respect on the matter from Kenny," Sirotka said. "He doesn't have to deal with the injury. ... I didn't really appreciate that comment."

ANGELS: Manager Mike Scioscia said he was encouraged by the condition of Gary DiSarcina, who threw lightly in the outfield before practice for about 15 minutes. DiSarcina had rotator-cuff surgery in May.

ATHLETICS: Manager Art Howe agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2002 season.

DODGERS: Third baseman Adrian Beltre began rehabilitation after having an emergency appendectomy in the Dominican Republic, then losing 24 pounds from an infection.

EXPOS: Pitcher Javier Vazquez lost his arbitration case and will get $2-million this year rather than $2.85-million.

MARLINS: Miami commissioners voted 4-1 to postpone a vote on a new ballpark for the team until March 15 so consulting firms can review potential sites.

METS: More than seven years after their divorce in Cuba, the ex-wife of shortstop Rey Ordonez is asking a Florida court for nearly $8,000 a month in child support.

That would be a huge increase from the $1.50-a-month payments a Cuban court granted her.

Hilda Maria Fiallo, 25, arrived in Miami with Rey Jr. in May after leaving Cuba. Her filing asks a Florida Circuit Court judge for $7,790 a month.

Ordonez defected during the Pan American Games in Buffalo, N.Y., in 1993, four days after his divorce was granted in Cuba. He signed a $19-million, four-year contact with the Mets in January 2000.

Ordonez's lawyer, Michael Gora of Boca Raton, said he expected to reach agreement without going to trial.

Also, prosecutors said they will not file criminal charges against reliever Armando Benitez, accused by his former girlfriend of attacking her.

PADRES: Pitchers and catchers reported, as did outfielder Tony Gwynn, who stayed true to his custom of arriving early. "I'm eager to get out and see what I can do," he said.

ROYALS: Right-hander Brian Meadows agreed to a $1.9-million, one-year contract.

YANKEES: Joe Torre and owner George Steinbrenner plan to have lunch next week to discuss, at Torre's request, a one-year contract extension for the manager, Newsday reported. Also, the team finalized a contract with outfielder Henry Rodriguez, a left-handed hitter who could platoon with Shane Spencer. Rodriguez will make $850,000 this season.

- Staff writer John Romano and Times wires contributed to this report.

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