Catcher Mike Piazza’s agent, Dan Lozano, said Monday he is upset by the way contract negotiations have proceeded with the Los Angeles Dodgers and will request the highest salary ever in the arbitration process. Players and teams exchange figures Tuesday.
Lozano would not say how much he will request for Piazza, who made $2.7 million last season. But he confirmed the number would be higher than the record $6.5 million asked for by pitcher Jack McDowell from the White Sox in 1994. He also said the number would exceed the $6.65 million that Ivan Rodriguez will earn from the Texas Rangers next season.
– The Texas Rangers agreed to a one-year, $4.8 million contract with third baseman Dean Palmer, avoiding salary arbitration. Palmer, who got a raise of $2.88 million, hit .280 with a career-high 38 home runs and 107 runs batted in last season after missing much of the 1995 season with a ruptured left biceps tendon.
– Brewers first baseman David Nilsson, who batted .331 last season, has signed a three-year contract with a club option for 2000. Terms were not disclosed.
College basketball: Wyoming guard LaDrell Whitehead, the WAC’s leading scorer, could miss the rest of the season due to a dislocated left elbow.
Connecticut guard Ricky Moore and center Kirk King cannot travel with the team until their suspensions are lifted, making it doubtful they’ll play Wednesday at Miami.
Soccer: U.S. National Team forward Eric Wynalda became the first two-time winner of the Honda Player of the Year award when he was honored as the top player in the U.S. in 1996. . . . Brazilian striker Ronaldo was named FIFA player of the year.
