McReynolds, Cox and Howell Don’t Fare as Well With the Arbitrators

Outfielder Kevin McReynolds of the New York Mets, pitcher Danny Cox of the St. Louis Cardinals and pitcher Jay Howell of the Oakland A’s were losers in their arbitration cases Tuesday.

McReynolds, traded during the off-season from the San Diego Padres, had asked $825,000, and the Mets had offered $625,000. Cox had asked for $875,000, and St. Louis had countered at $600,000.

Howell, a reliever who went 3-6 with 16 saves and a 3.38 earned-run average, had asked for a $100,000 raise over his 1986 salary of $530,000, which he will play for again this season.

McReynolds hit .288 with 26 homers and 96 RBIs last year for the Padres. Cox was 12-13 with a 2.90 ERA at St. Louis.

“There’s no animosity. It was a business decision,” McReynolds said from his home in North Little Rock, Ark. “We tried our case and lost. The Mets didn’t do anything that put me in a bad light.”

Al Harazin, Met senior vice president, said that the club “obviously was very pleased with the result” of McReynolds’ hearing. “We feel the whole process was very professional from both sides. Now we’re looking forward to Kevin having a terrific first season with the Mets,” Harazin said.

The Mets have one other player, pitcher Ron Darling, still headed for arbitration. His hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

Cox, who had an 18-9 record and 2.88 ERA while pitching 241 innings in 1985, was slowed at the start of the 1986 campaign by a hairline fracture to his right ankle he suffered while jumping off a two-foot sea wall at spring training.

Said Cardinal General Manager Dal Maxvill: “We are pleased with the decision but, more importantly, we are happy to have Danny Cox signed.”