Money Muddies Plans In Detroit

American League

Detroit’s financial problems may prevent the Tigers from building a new stadium, even with help from the state of Michigan, club president John McHale says.

“There are a lot of big, tough issues to solve,” McHale told The Detroit News in an interview published Monday. “I just can’t sit here today and say I’m x-percent sure we can get it together.”

The Tigers lost $20 million during last year’s players strike, McHale said. That means club owner Mike Ilitch might be unable to honor his earlier pledge to cover the cost of building the stadium itself - estimated at $175 million.

The team continues to seek government help with the estimated $200 million cost of site acquisition and various infrastructure improvements.

Clearing the bases

Kansas City’s Vince Coleman stole second base in the fifth inning, his 703rd career steal, tying him for seventh on the career list with Hall-of-Famer Honus Wagner… . Ed Sprague of Toronto singled in the fifth to extend his hitting streak to 15 games… . Marty Cordova, who homered in five consecutive games for Minnesota, was selected player of the week… . Texas slugger Juan Gonzalez, idled all season by an ailing back, will report today to the club’s extended spring training program in Port Charlotte, Fla.

Royals 7, Blue Jays 0

Toronto

Kevin Appier (5-1) allowed two hits and lowered his ERA to 1.98 as Kansas City beat Toronto and sent the Blue Jays to their eighth loss in 11 games.

Hipolito Pichardo finished with hitless relief as the Royals stopped a threegame losing streak. Wally Joyner and Greg Gagne drove in three runs each.

Brewers 7, Indians 5

Cleveland

Light-hitting Fernando Vina had three hits, scored three times and drove in a run as Milwaukee, winning for only the second time in nine games, beat Cleveland.