Reliever’s Not So Wild About Omaha

Bob Boone sounded happy with the progress of reliever Mitch Williams. But “Wild Thing,” as Williams is known, was anything but wild about the Kansas City manager’s decision to farm him out.

The left-hander, who set single-season save records with two National League teams but is better known for his failures - blowing a 14-10 lead in a 15-14 loss in Game 4 and allowing Joe Carter’s decisive homer in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series - was asked Thursday to go to Triple-A Omaha.

“He’s disappointed,” Boone said. “He’s made significant strides. But it’s a matter of right now I can’t give him enough innings.”

Williams, who pitched for the Spokane Indians in 1982, refused to talk after emerging from Boone’s office, other than to say, “I’m going to Omaha,” as he walked out in obvious anger.

The cut followed a perfect inning and a 5-4 victory over Pittsburgh. Williams has been improving, and the Royals are desperate for a left-hander in the bullpen.

Royals career saves leader Jeff Montgomery, who is showing steady progress after September shoulder surgery, also pitched a scoreless inning.

Cubs love rookie

After trying 76 players at third base over the past 23 seasons - including seven last year - the Chicago Cubs finally found the next Ron Santo.

Or maybe they haven’t.

The Cubs resist even sticking a maybe label on Kevin Orie, the rookie who was handed the third-base job before spring training even started. They don’t want to put too much pressure on the 24-year-old, whose resume includes only 48 at-bats in Triple-A and nary a sniff of the major leagues.

“It’s interesting for fans to talk about, for them to hope he can be the next Ron Santo, but I’m not going to fall into that trap,” Cubs manager Jim Riggleman said.

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Orie has good range, quick reflexes and a strong arm. A right-handed hitter, he is batting .372, is second on the team with 12 RBIs, and leads the club with 13 runs and 10 walks.

Irabu has alternate plan

Hideki Irabu still hungers to pitch for the New York Yankees, if only the San Diego Padres would trade him.

After arriving home in Japan, the 27-year-old right-hander said he has a plan in case they don’t - playing in Canada’s independent league “rather than training alone by myself.”

But, he conceded, even that door could be closed to him.

Contract kicks in

Baseball owners gave $11.3 million to the union’s benefit plan and sent checks of up to $13,666.67 to players who were in the majors last year as the sport’s new labor agreement took effect.

Yanks reward strike subs

New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner will reward former replacement players with a bonus, even though their teammates voted against giving them postseason shares, according to the Bergen Record of New Jersey.

Dale Polley, Dave Pavlas and Matt Howard will receive $25,000 checks issued by Steinbrenner, who acted on the advice of general manager Bob Watson.