Toronto’s Molitor Granted Free Agency

Toronto decided Wednesday to allow designated hitter Paul Molitor to become a free agent, while Oakland decided to bring relief pitcher Dennis Eckersley back for next season.

Molitor, 39, will receive a $1 million buyout from the Blue Jays, who could have exercised a $4 million option.

Eckersley and Oakland agreed to allow his $2.25 million to become guaranteed. The contract called for the option year to be guaranteed if he pitched in 54 games last season; Eckersley pitched in 52.

Baltimore exercised its 1996 option on pitcher Jesse Orosco, but declined to exercise its $1.3 million option on pitcher Doug Jones.

Seattle prevented reliever Norm Charlton from filing for free agency by offering him salary arbitration.

Twenty-six more players filed for free agency Wednesday, raising the total to 56 after three days. Among them were Milwaukee center fielder Darryl Hamilton, Toronto outfielder Devon White, Los Angeles pitcher Ramon Martinez, Cleveland pitcher Ken Hill, New York Yankees catcher Mike Stanley, Oakland pitcher Steve Ontiveros and St. Louis reliever Tom Henke.

Clearing the bases

Sparky Anderson says he’s enjoying retirement since leaving the Tigers last month and doesn’t plan to manage a major league team again…. Detroit named former Spokane Indians manager Steve Lubratitch an assistant general manager…. The Yankees extended their deadline on Darryl Strawberry’s $1.8 million contract option until today…. The Pirates extended prospective buyer Kevin McClatchy’s exclusive negotiating rights until next Tuesday…. The Tigers and Athletics have set up interviews this weekend with former Yankee manager Buck Showalter about their vacant managing positions.