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Baseball roundup

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published February 28, 2001

Pouting Thomas checks in

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Frank Thomas not only showed up, he apologized.

The Big Hurt returned to the White Sox on Tuesday after missing six workouts while complaining he was underpaid. But he insisted his boycott wasn't about money.

"I did look like a poster boy for greed over the weekend, but that is not the case," Thomas said. "I've never been greedy. I've had a couple of opportunities to be the highest-paid player in this game, and I didn't want to be there."

Thomas acknowledged that fans, whose favor he regained by hitting .328 last year with 43 homers and 143 RBI, probably would turn on him.

He began his news conference by reading a statement in which he apologized to baseball fans, sports fans and his teammates. He said he would discuss the situation with teammates one on one.

"I extend my apologies to those who were affected by my absence. It was a big distraction. I do want to apologize to my teammates and all Chicago White Sox fans," Thomas said.

Thomas, who returned on the mandatory reporting date specified by baseball's labor contract, is due $9.927-million in each of the next six seasons, but only this year is really guaranteed.

If he fails to become an All-Star, win a Silver Slugger or finish among the top 10 in MVP voting, Chicago has the power to change his salary to $250,000 plus $10.125-million deferred. If that happens -- and the White Sox don't have to invoke the clause -- Thomas could terminate the contract and become a free agent.

INDIANS: Shortstop Omar Vizquel agreed to terms on a $15-million, two-year contract extension, the Associated Press reported.

ORIOLES: Albert Belle won't be in the lineup for the spring opener against St. Louis on Friday because of a sore hip.

PADRES: Tony Gwynn had to calm himself as he crouched in the batter's box.

It was just an intrasquad game, but this one was a little different for Gwynn. It had been eight months and one knee operation since the batting star last faced live pitching.

Gwynn went 1-for-2. Even though he had trouble breaking out of the box his first at-bat and later got doubled off second, he said it was a good day.

"It feels good being out there again," he said.

PIRATES: Right-hander Bronson Arroyo, from Hernando High, allowed a hit in two shutout innings and Pittsburgh homered five times in a 22-5 victory against Manatee Community College.

RED SOX: Bret Saberhagen threw off a mound for the first time in six months and impressed pitching coach Joe Kerrigan. "He was outstanding from the first pitch to the last," Kerrigan said.

ROCKIES: Reliever Jerry Dipoto was scheduled to pitch one inning in an intrasquad game but was scratched because of lingering soreness in his shoulder and neck.

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