12 Made Baseball Free Agents

Twelve players, including outfielder Brian Downing and catcher Bob Boone of the Angels and New York Yankee pitcher Ron Guidry, were declared free agents today by arbitrator George Nicolau because of collusion by baseball owners after the 1986 season.

Among the others given “new look” free agency were infielder Willie Randolph and outfielder Claudell Washington of the Yankees and catcher Rich Gedman of the Boston Red Sox. The 12 have until Dec. 16 to accept contracts with new teams or remain with their current clubs.