Fielder Not Happy

Cecil Fielder, upset that the New York Yankees haven’t talked with him since the end of the season, wants an everyday spot in the lineup next season or a trade.

“I don’t see many platoon players hitting 39 homers,” he said. “I’m not going to platoon no matter what.”

Cliff Mapes, 74, who wore both Babe Ruth’s uniform No. 3 and Mickey Mantle’s No. 7 for the New York Yankees, has died. Mapes, an outfielder, played five years in the American League, coming up to the Yankees in 1948. He wore No. 3 until it was retired that year and then switched, first to No. 13 and then to No. 7. He kept No. 7 until he was traded to the St. Louis Browns in 1951.

Terry Steinbach turned down more money to come home and play for the Minnesota Twins.

The New Ulm native and former University of Minnesota star agreed to a $6.2 million, two-year contract following the most productive of his 10 seasons with Oakland.

Montreal Expos manager Felipe Alou was given a two-year contract extension through 2000.

The Anaheim Angels acquired catcher-infielder Jim Leyritz from the New York Yankees in exchange for minor-league players to be named later.

Baseball Hall of Famer Harry Caray will return for his 53rd season behind the mike doing Chicago Cubs’ play-by-play for a 15th season.