Alomar Recants Appeal, But Umps May Still Walk

His team looking to be in great shape with a 2-0 lead in its best-of-5 series against Cleveland, embattled Baltimore Orioles second baseman Roberto Alomar decided Wednesday night to withdraw his appeal of a controversial five-game suspension for spitting in the face of American League umpire John Hirschbeck last Friday in Toronto.

“I’m not going to sit here and say that (dropping the appeal) is going to happen,” the seven-time All-Star said after Wednesday’s 7-4 Division Series victory over Cleveland. “But I have confidence in my teammates.

“I wish I could say something, but too much has already been twisted around. Especially in Toronto, where I don’t think they like me too much.”

However, Donald Fehr, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, confirmed in New York during the Rangers-Yankees playoff game that Alomar’s appeal was being withdrawn. Alomar is expected to serve the suspension at the start of the 1997 regular season, unless American League president Gene Budig decides today the suspension will include an unprecedented ban from the playoffs.

Alomar was scheduled to appear this morning in Budig’s New York office, where he would have argued why he deserved a lesser penalty for spitting at Hirschbeck after the umpire ejected Alomar from a game last Friday in Toronto.

Umpires have demanded Alomar’s punishment begin immediately, but there is no precedent for a league president to issue a postseason ban over a regular-season transgression, no matter how severe.

By Alomar accepting his five-game ban, starting next season, Budig faces the possibility of a work stoppage by the umpires. Umpires’ union counsel Richie Phillips would argue that a stoppage is permitted under terms of the arbiters’ contract because baseball had created an unsafe working environment.

“If satisfactory relief isn’t granted (today), we will be back in court in Philadelphia on Friday,” Phillips said.

The umpires’ frustration is certain to grow. When the six-man A.L. umpiring crew walked onto the field Wednesday at Camden Yards, a chorus of boos rained down, building in intensity.

Umpire Drew Coble turned to the stands and gestured, palms up, “Why?” Then he gave a dismissive wave of frustration and turned his back.

Marlins won’t be outbid

The Florida Marlins rushed back into action to stay the front-runners in the Jim Leyland derby as at least two teams were maneuvering to make him baseball’s highest-paid manager.

Despite prior assurances from Leyland that a formal presentation wasn’t necessary, Marlins president Don Smiley and general manager Dave Dombrowski flew to Pittsburgh to convince him they’ll compete with anybody.

“(Marlins owner) Wayne Huizenga is not going to be outbid on something he really wants by (Chicago White Sox owner) Jerry Reinsdorf or anyone else,” said a source close to Huizenga.

On Tuesday, the California Angels surprised Leyland with an incentive-laden offer that could be worth as much as $8 million over four years. And the White Sox apparently are willing to top the $1.5 million salary of St. Louis’ Tony La Russa, currently the highest-paid manager, to land the former Pirates manager.

Lankford to play

Five days after tearing his rotator cuff, St. Louis’ Ray Lankford wants to play in Game 2 of the playoffs against San Diego.

“If it feels good, I’ll try to give it a shot tomorrow,” Lankford said after the off-day workout Wednesday. “I still feel some tenderness, but it’s not stiff. Sometimes, you’ve got to play with pain.”

Lankford was injured making a diving catch on Friday night, and at game time for the regular-season finale Sunday he couldn’t lift his arm. On Tuesday, the Cardinals waited until the 11 a.m. (CDT) deadline before including him on the postseason roster.

By Wednesday he had made remarkable progress, taking batting practice just like one of the guys and playing a little catch with teammate Brian Jordan. Both were firsts.

“I don’t think he’s ready,” Jordan said. “At least he can throw a little and he can swing.”

Ex-Yankee manager roots for old team

Buck Showalter, a manager who said “no” to George Steinbrenner, isn’t letting his unhappy departure from New York dampen his feelings for the Yankees in their playoff with the Texas Rangers.

Showalter, now manager of the Arizona Diamondbacks, is rooting for the Yankees. And, he sounded surprised that anyone would ask.

“I’ve got a lot of friends on both clubs, but I’d like to see the Yankees do well,” Showalter said. “I know how much it means to Mr. Steinbrenner and the organization and, more importantly, the fans. It’s a great time in New York right now.”