Hernandez Headed For Costa Rica

Pitcher Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez and another baseball player who fled Cuba - along with the companions they refused to abandon - are scheduled to leave the Bahamas today for Costa Rica.

On Tuesday, Costa Rica and Nicaragua offered visas to pitcher Orlando and Alberto Hernandez - who are not related - and five others who helped the two players flee Cuba, according to agent Joe Cubas.

An investment group headed by Dallas Stars owner Tom Hicks has ironed out details to buy the Texas Rangers, a source told The Associated Press.

Acting commissioner Bud Selig decided to cancel the owners meeting that had been scheduled for next week in Phoenix, further delaying the already questionable commissioner search.

Cleveland added a second baseman by signing Carlos Garcia, and the Minnesota Twins got pitching help by signing former Spokane Indian Ricky Bones.

Garcia, who dropped to a .220 average but played solid defense for Toronto last season, is expected to share time with prospect Enrique Wilson, 20.

Bones was 0-1 with Cincinnati. He also went 4-7 with a 5.97 ERA in 11 starts and 10 relief outings with Kansas City and 5-0 with Tucson of the Pacific Coast League.

Outfielder Derrick May and the Montreal Expos agreed to a minor-league contract that would pay him $200,000 if he makes the team.

Among players eligible for salary arbitration, right-handed reliever Kent Bottenfield and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a $700,000, one-year contract with a club option for 1999.