New Arbitrator Likely to Hear Gossage Dispute

Rich (Goose) Gossage’s grievance against the San Diego Padres likely will be heard by an arbitrator Monday, according to Donald Fehr of the Major League Players Assn.

The arbitrator will be George Nicolau, a New York University law school professor. Nicolau, who has settled disputes for the National Basketball Assn., was named Monday to replace Tom Roberts as baseball’s official arbitrator.

The Padres suspended Gossage, a relief pitcher, on Aug. 29 for “repeated public attacks” against the front office. Nicolau will be briefed on the grievance Thursday, but the actual hearing probably won’t begin until four days later.

Arbitration could be avoided if the players’ association and Player Relations Committee can settle the dispute. A meeting between the two is planned for today, but Fehr said he isn’t optimistic about a settlement.