White Sox ace Jack McDowell, who started as many games as any pitcher in the American League and finished more than anyone in the majors last season, lost an arbitration showdown Saturday. But he still walked away with a $1.5 million raise.
McDowell entered the 1991 season, his third in the majors, with a 22-19 record and a world of promise, but a relatively small salary-only $175,000.
He fulfilled his promise last year, going 17-10 with a 3.41 ERA. He started a league-high 35 games and completed 15 of his starts, best in the majors.
With those numbers, it was clear to McDowell and the White Sox that his 1992 salary would be astronomically higher. It was only a question of how astronomical.
McDowell thought it should be $2.3 million. The Sox figured $1.6 million would be a more realistic figure.
The two sides couldn`t agree so, under terms of the Basic Agreement, they went to a professional arbitrator, who listened to both sides on Friday and ruled Saturday night.
Arbitrator Richard Bloch sided with the Sox.
McDowell was unavailable for comment after the ruling, but White Sox General Manager Ron Schueler said from his home in California that he was sorry the case came down to a courtroom-style hearing.
It was the second time in as many days that the Sox had been forced to go to arbitration. They lost their earlier showdown with relief pitcher Kenny Patterson, who won $640,000.
”Obviously, we were disappointed in losing the first one with Patterson,” Schueler said. ”I hope there isn`t any bitterness (with McDowell).
”I wasn`t there when they were preparing (the case). But I know they didn`t get on Jack. (McDowell`s attorneys) just presented. We presented a case and the arbitrator ruled.”
Schueler said he hadn`t spoken with McDowell, but he hoped the pitcher would be happy with the raise he won.
”I hope he doesn`t take anything to spring training. If he has that kind of year (again), he`s going to get the money he`s worth,” Schueler said.
The arbitration ruling is good for one year and McDowell would be eligible for arbitration again at the end of the 1992 season if he and the Sox failed to reach terms on a new contract then.
