ON THE SIDELINES : Bonilla Upset With Pirates
Bobby Bonilla said he won’t sign a long-term contract if the Pittsburgh Pirates let more free agents get away, as R. J. Reynolds did by signing with a Japanese team.
“Why should I be penalized because I want to play in Pittsburgh?” Bonilla said. “If I see people disappearing around here, I will sign a one-year deal and then try free agency.
“The Pirates said R. J. was the best fourth outfielder in the game, but they didn’t try to sign him.”
The Pirates’ three-time All-Star can become a free agent after the 1991 season. If the team can’t re-sign free agents like Zane Smith and Sid Bream, Bonilla may have second thoughts about returning.
General Manager Larry Doughty said the Pirates very well may lose more--or even all--of their free agents because of their budget.
In September, Bonilla asked the Pirates for a multiyear contract similar to Kevin Mitchell’s four-year, $15-million deal.
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