BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : Haas Puts A’s Up for Sale

Oakland Athletic owner Walter Haas Jr. said his family intends to sell the team, setting in motion a lease agreement that gives officials seven months to find a local buyer.

The Haas family, which purchased the team from Charlie Finley on Nov. 3, 1980, is seeking $85 million from any owner who would keep the franchise in Oakland.

If a buyer isn’t found within seven months, the Haas family could sell the team to any buyer, including one who could move the franchise, subject to the approval of American and National League owners. The effort to find a buyer will include officials from Alameda County, the city of Oakland and the Oakland Coliseum.

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Outfielder Derek Bell of the San Diego Padres was suspended for five games for charging Expo pitcher Pedro Martinez and inciting a bench-clearing brawl during their game April 30 at Montreal. Bell has appealed the suspension by NL President Leonard S. Coleman, and will continue playing.