BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : Cone Sees the Possibility of a Trade

David Cone, whose 10-2 record is second-best to Jimmy Key’s 10-1 in the American League, says he wouldn’t be surprised to be traded if the Kansas City Royals fail to contend this September.

“I’m not ruling out any possibilities,” Cone told The Olathe (Kan.) Daily News in Thursday’s editions.

The right-hander signed a three-year $18-million free-agent contract before the 1993 season and is one reason the Royals, a small-market club, have a $40-million payroll--fifth-highest among major league teams.

“Anything can happen. I certainly could be traded to dump the next year’s salary,” said Cone, whose concern was fueled in part by remarks by Mike Herman, the president of the Royals who had said he didn’t see how the team could afford Cone’s salary.

General Manager Herk Robinson declined comment other than to say Cone isn’t on the trading block and wasn’t expected to be.

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The Boston Red Sox put right-handed pitcher Danny Darwin (7-5, 6.30 ERA) on the 15-day disabled list and called up right-hander Sergio Valdez from triple-A Pawtucket. . . . The Atlanta Braves said outfielder David Justice will miss two or three days because of a sprained lower back.