Gooden Takes Hill For Yanks

Spring training

When Jimmy Key and Dwight Gooden take the mound today, it may be the biggest moment of the spring for the New York Yankees.

After throwing in two batting practice sessions last week, Key and Gooden will continue their comebacks in the Yankees’ intrasquad game in Tampa, Fla.

New York manager Joe Torre, who expects each to pitch two innings, has been impressed with what he’s seen of Key and Gooden so far. Now, however, he’ll see them in game situations for the first time.

“I really don’t foresee any problems,” Torre said. “Then again, pitching to hitters is different than throwing on the side or throwing batting practice.”

The Yankees are planning to have Key and Gooden as part of a solid rotation which will include David Cone, Kenny Rogers and Andy Pettitte. Both are eager to see how their comebacks are progressing.

Key hasn’t pitched in a game since May 16, 1995, his last outing before undergoing shoulder surgery. Gooden is making his first appearance since being suspended in June 1994 for violating baseball’s substance abuse aftercare program.

Brien Taylor was hit hard Monday night, allowing six runs in just over one inning of a Yankees intrasquad game.

Taylor, the top pick in the 1991 amateur draft, struggled with his control, throwing 28 balls and 19 strikes. He allowed six runs - four earned - four hits and walked four.

The Beaufort, N.C., native is attempting a comeback after undergoing shoulder surgery in December 1993.

Oliver rejoins Reds

Cincinnati signed free-agent catcher Joe Oliver to a one-year contract and released catcher Damon Berryhill to make room on the 40-man roster.

Oliver’s deal is worth $500,000, including incentives.

“I feel like I’m at home,” said Oliver, 30, who spent parts of six major-league seasons in Cincinnati before being released in 1994.

Oliver was accompanied at a news conference in Plant City, Fla., by Jose Rijo, Eric Davis, Chris Sabo, Hal Morris and Barry Larkin - the other remaining players from the Reds’ 1990 World Series championship team.

“We got 1990 back, and they better get it done,” Reds owner Marge Schott said.

Schott torpedoes stadium vote

Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott is questioning why the Bengals need a new stadium, but she still wants one for her team.

Schott arrived for her annual spring-training visit and undermined a stadium-tax issue on the ballot back home.

Hamilton County, Ohio, voters will decide March 19 whether to raise their sales tax a half-cent to build a baseball-only park and a football-only stadium.

Schott is demanding a new stadium, but is refusing to campaign for or endorse the sales-tax increase.

“I’m sick of that stadium thing,” she told the Dayton Daily News. “I have one question: Why do the Cincinnati Bengals need a stadium for 10 games a year? It makes no sense.”

Brewers face deadline

A March 22 deadline was set for the Milwaukee Brewers to come up with financing for their $90 million share of a new stadium or face suspension of a sales tax that is funding the project.

The tax of one-tenth of 1 percent took effect Jan. 1 in five counties to fund bonds that will cover $160 million of the $250 million ballpark’s cost.

Scorpion stings Dunston

San Francisco shortstop Shawon Dunston was stung twice on the right shoulder by a 3-inch scorpion during a workout in Scottsdale, Ariz.

The Giants had been forced indoors by wet fields. The scorpion crawled under Dunston’s shirt and bit him on the shoulder.

Clinton greets Braves

The Atlanta Braves toured the White House, and David Justice suspects he reached an understanding with President Clinton.

“Just like he doesn’t give me any advice on hitting, I can’t give him any advice on his affairs,” he said.

Justice, who hit the World Series-clinching home run in Game 6, said the players chatted briefly with Clinton, who offered belated congratulations to the team.