Vaughn Asks For $6.1 Million; Red Sox Offer $4.2 Million

A date that baseball owners dread - the day players and teams exchange salary arbitration figures - saw A.L. MVP Mo Vaughn ask for $6.1 million and the Boston Red Sox offer $4.2 million Friday.

Chicago Cubs outfielder Sammy Sosa and Kansas City pitcher Kevin Appier also sought more than $5 million, while seven others asked for more than $4 million as 56 players traded figures with their teams.

Rather than go to salary arbitration, 14 players agreed to contact terms. The largest salary was awarded to pitcher Scott Erickson, who agreed to a two-year contract of $6 million with the Baltimore Orioles.

Edgar Martinez, who won his second American League batting title last season, was voted the A.L.’s outstanding designated hitter. Martinez, 33, got 82 of 83 first-place votes by sportswriters, broadcasters and public relations directors.