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Baseball briefs

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 21, 2000

Delgado gets record deal: $17-million a year

NEW YORK -- The Toronto Blue Jays and first baseman Carlos Delgado agreed Friday to a $68-million, four-year contract that makes him the highest-paid player in baseball.

Delgado, 28, will receive a $4.8-million signing bonus and salaries of $10-million in 2001, $17.2-million in 2002, $17.5-million in 2003 and $18.5-million in 2004.

The deal was confirmed by his agent, David Sloane.

The average salary of $17-million breaks the mark of $15.45-million set by Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens.

Dodgers pitcher Kevin Brown has the record for total dollars -- $105-million over seven years.

"I've said it before and I'll say it again," Delgado said. "It's good to be back. I firmly believe we have the talent here to win."

The timing of the announcement was discussed with the commissioner's office, the Associated Press reported, and irked some because it would take attention away from tonight's Game 1 of the World Series.

Delgado hit .344 this season with 41 home runs, 137 runs batted in and 123 walks, finishing fourth in the American League in batting, tied for fourth in home runs and tied for fourth in RBI.

Delgado's mark is not likely to last long. Seattle shortstop Alex Rodriguez is eligible for free agency after the World Series and is expected to get at least $20-million per year.

Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire said record deals are not necessarily a good thing.

"That's the biggest problem I have with all these high-market free agents," he said. "They want all this money, but do they take the money over being comfortable and being happy? If they go by what Jim (Edmonds) and I have done, that's a good way of showing what people should really be looking for. I mean, they're going to make the money. But is it all really necessary?"

HANK AARON AWARD: Delgado and Todd Helton of Colorado were recognized as the season's best overall hitter in each league. The winners were determined in voting by play-by-play broadcasters and color analysts for each club's radio and TV rights-holders. Points were on a 5-3-1 basis.

Delgado had 181 points, followed by Frank Thomas (111) and Jason Giambi (44).

Helton had 207 points, followed by Vladimir Guerrero (104) and Sammy Sosa (39).

Helton led the NL with a .372 batting average.

PINIELLA COMMENTS: The commissioner's office is investigating comments Lou Piniella made last weekend after Clemens threw inside to Rodriguez.

Piniella pretty much admitted Paul Abbott deliberately threw a pitch over the head of Jorge Posada the next inning.

"He wants to throw at our guys, we'll throw at his guys," the Mariners manager said. "That's exactly what happened tonight, and that will be exactly what happens the next time he faces our ballclub."

BABE RUTH AUCTION: Babe Ruth's final contract is up for auction on eBay. A minimum bid of $500,000 is required on Ruth's 1935 three-year contract with the Boston Braves, which was to pay $25,000 per year over three years. Bidding closes Oct. 30.

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Gary Shelton