Disappointed, Lopes Has Lost Itch To Manage

Intelligent, a leader when he played, Davey Lopes says he has forsaken his major league managerial aspirations, having tired of the frustrating interview process and trying to analyze why he can’t get a job.

His latest rejections came last winter from the Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays.

“They’re not looking for what they perceive me to be,” the San Diego Padres coach and former Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman said. “I’m astounded how some of the people who get these jobs suddenly have characteristics they never had as fringe players who were never leaders.

“I mean, I can only assume they interview well. Is that what it’s all about? I know how to work within a system and can be a successful manager, but I’m not sure anything I say or do will be good enough. I’ve taken so many hits that I’m kind of like a punch-drunk fighter, but I’m not envious of anyone who has been hired, and I don’t hold grudges.

“I still have a passion for the game, but I no longer expect to manage in the big leagues.”

Lopes played for Spokane’s 1970 Pacific Coast League champions and the 1971 Indians as well.

Yanks bag Cuban star

Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez, the Cuban star pitcher who defected two months ago, agreed Friday to a $6.6 million, four-year contract with the Yankees.

Hernandez, 28, who made about $8 a month as a rehabilitation therapist at a psychiatric hospital before he fled Cuba, turned down an offer from the Anaheim Angels thought to be worth about $5 million. His half-brother, Livan, was the Most Valuable Player of last year’s N.L. playoffs and the World Series.

Big Unit knows K’s

Randy Johnson doesn’t envy Milwaukee pitchers, who have to bat now that they’re in the N.L.

“Good luck to them; I’ll stay right here,” said Johnson, who was shaky at the plate and on the mound Friday in the Seattle Mariners’ 18-9 victory over the Brewers.

Johnson improved to 2-0 despite allowing five runs and seven hits in 3-2/3 innings. He struck out seven, walked none and struck out twice as a batter.

Blue Jays sign Cruz

The Toronto Blue Jays agreed to terms on a one-year contract with outfielder Jose Cruz Jr., the American League rookie-of-the-year runner-up.

Cruz batted .248 with 26 home runs and 68 RBIs. Toronto acquired him from the Mariners for relievers Paul Spoljaric and Mike Timlin in July.

Young catcher has surgery

Cardinals rookie catcher Eli Marrero, expected to battle veteran Tom Pagnozzi for the starting job, had surgery in St. Louis to remove his thyroid gland after a low-grade malignant tumor was discovered.

Marrero will begin radiation therapy in about three weeks, according to team spokesman Brian Bartow.