Yankees Woo Williams

The New York Yankees apparently believe Bernie Williams is a $6 million man. General manager Bob Watson revealed the club finally advanced negotiations by offering the gifted center fielder a three-year, $18 million contract.

Williams has an arbitration case in two weeks in which he is seeking $5.35 million and the Yankees have offered him $5 million.

Japanese-born pitcher Mac Suzuki signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners.

The Mariners also signed infielders Andy Sheets and Giomar Guevara; pitchers Dean Crow, Damaso Marte, Ivan Montane and Alex Pacheco; and outfielders Raul Ibanez and Marcus Sturdivant.

The Baltimore Orioles will begin formulating a counterproposal for third baseman Cal Ripken today. Sources said Ripken asked for a yearly salary between $7 million and $7.5 million and is unlikely to sign unless the deal is for at least three years. Ripken, 36, will make $6.2 million this season and is eligible to become a free agent afterward.