Morris Calls It Quits After Poor Spring

Jack Morris, one of the best biggame pitchers of his era, retired Tuesday rather than stick around as something less than the best.

Morris, who turns 40 next month, showed up for training camp trying to win a spot in the Cincinnati Reds’ rotation. After a week of throwing and one poor exhibition outing, he decided he could no longer be a premier pitcher.

“I guess I always told myself if it isn’t in your heart, if you can’t play at that level anymore, you’ve got to be honest with yourself,” he said.

During his 17-year career, he helped three teams win World Series titles - Detroit in 1984, Minnesota in 1991 and Toronto in 1992. He was MVP of the 1991 Series, when he pitched 10 shutout innings to beat Atlanta 1-0 in the seventh game.

Retirement came after two tough years for Morris. He was 7-12 with a 6.19 ERA in 1993 for Toronto, which let him go as a free agent. He signed with Cleveland for a $350,000 base salary and went 10-6 last year with a 5.60 ERA. He faded badly at the end, compiling a 9.45 ERA in his last four starts.

Maddux may make opening day

Three-time Cy Young winner Greg Maddux is making a faster-thanexpected recovery from chicken pox. He will pitch in an intrasquad game Friday and could be reinstated as the opening-day pitcher. Maddux, 30, was diagnosed with chicken pox last Friday, and doctors said he would need 10 days to recuperate.

Clemens out of opener

Over the last seven years Roger Clemens has been the starting pitcher on opening day for the Boston Red Sox.

Not this season, though. “The Rocket” has been grounded because of a strained muscle in his right shoulder.

Surhoff stays put

Free agent B.J. Surhoff has decided to stay with the Milwaukee Brewers, spurning better offers from Oakland and Boston.

Surhoff, coming off abdominal surgery during the off-season, agreed to a minor-league contract with a letter agreement to add him to the majorleague roster when healthy.

Surhoff, who made $2,333,333, is believed to have agreed to a $200,000 base salary plus incentives.

Bad disk sidelines slugger

Texas Rangers slugger Juan Gonzalez has been diagnosed with a herniated disk and almost certainly will miss the season-opener at New York next week.