THE SIDELINES : Walt Terrell Declines Demotion by Pirates; Club Seeking Trade
Pittsburgh Pirates starter Walt Terrell is declining his demotion to the team’s Triple A Buffalo farm club.
“He’s not going to Buffalo. He’s not even considering going to Buffalo,” said Terrell’s agent, Alan Meersand of Manhattan Beach.
Terrell had three days to accept or reject Saturday’s assignment to the farm club.
Meersand said he told Pirates General Manager Larry Doughty of Terrell’s refusal Saturday. Pirates spokesman Jim Trdinich said this morning that he did not know Terrell had refused the demotion.
“Doughty said he would continue to try to trade him and call all the clubs today and do what he could, but otherwise he would prepare to eat his contract,” Meersand said.
Terrell’s 2-7 record was the most glaring negative during the Pirates’ first-half surge into the National League East lead.
His refusal to report means he will become a free agent, and if he is not traded, the Pirates would be responsible for paying off his three-year, $3.6-million contract.
Terrell’s 5.88 earned-run average was the highest of any National League starter. Opposing hitters were batting .295 against him.
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