Butler Wins; Darling, Ward Lose; Players Trail in Arbitration, 17-15

Cleveland Indians outfielder Brett Butler won his arbitration case Thursday, but New York Mets right-hander Ron Darling and Texas Rangers outfielder Gary Ward were losers.

The player seeking the highest salary, Boston third baseman Wade Boggs, was scheduled for a hearing today. He wants $1.8 million, while the Red Sox are offering $1.3 million.

The latest results gave the clubs 17 victories in the arbitration hearings. The players have won 15, including Thursday’s decision in favor of Dodger pitcher Orel Hershiser.

Butler, who went to arbitration Wednesday, was Cleveland’s last unsigned player. He was awarded his $850,000 request; the Indians had offered $600,000.

He enjoyed a productive year for the last-place Indians, finishing fifth in the American League in batting with a .311 average. He drove in 50 runs and stole 47 bases in 67 attempts.

Darling’s loss in arbitration came as a surprise, since pitchers have fared well this year in the process. He will make $440,000 instead of the $615,000 he was seeking. Last season, while he was earning $165,000, Darling posted a 16-6 record with a 2.90 earned-run average for the Mets.

Ward batted .287 for the Rangers, who finished last in the American League West. He hit 15 homers with 70 RBIs and stole 26 bases in 33 tries.