Martinez’s Contract Prompts Mondesi To Ask For More

Pedro Martinez has upped the ante. Now Raul Mondesi wants $60 million.

The Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder wants a $10 million-a-year deal for six seasons, according to Thursday’s editions of Hoy, a Dominican newspaper.

“I believe I am a healthy, consistent player and that I can contribute to all facets of the game,” Mondesi was quoted as saying. “If you compare my statistics with other players who earn vast sums of money, you will realize I am worth” the $60 million.

Mondesi, who became the first Dodgers player to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in the same season, had said earlier this year he was hoping for a $45 million, five-year contract. Martinez’s $75 million, six-year contract with Boston altered his thinking.

“The market is changing,” Mondesi said in a telephone interview from Los Angeles.

Baines, Orioles near contract

The Baltimore Orioles apparently are close to a contract agreement with Harold Baines. Orioles general manager Pat Gillick said he believes that the team probably will be able to complete and announce a deal with the free-agent designated hitter today.

Baines has indicated that he plans to re-sign with the Orioles, and the club offered him salary arbitration to maintain its right to negotiate with him.

Woman sues Indians’ Mesa

Cleveland Indians pitcher Jose Mesa has been sued by a woman who brought a sexual assault charge against him.

Christine M. Allen, of the Cleveland suburb North Royalton, was one of two women who accused Mesa of a sexual assault last Dec. 22 in a motel.

A jury in the criminal case found Mesa innocent. Allen is seeking unspecified damages in the civil lawsuit.

Marlins trade Cook

The Florida Marlins traded relief pitcher Dennis Cook to the New York Mets for minor leaguers Fletcher Bates, an outfielder, and left-handed pitcher Scott Comer.

Cook was 1-2 with a 3.90 ERA in 59 relief appearances last season, striking out 63 in 62 innings.

Around the league

Minor-league pitcher Tony Armas Jr. was traded from Boston to Montreal, completing the Nov. 18 deal that sent Pedro Martinez to the Red Sox for pitcher Carl Pavano. … Pitcher Scott Karl agreed on a three-year contract with Milwaukee. … An arbitrator today will hear the players’ union plea to have Andy Benes’ $30 million, five-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals reinstated after it was voided by baseball.