Gross Signs $6-Million Deal With Rangers

The Texas Rangers signed Kevin Gross, 33, a free agent right-handed pitcher from the Dodgers, to a two-year, $6-million contract on Tuesday.

Gross’ deal includes a $400,000 signing bonus. His 1995 salary is $2.5 million, and he will get $3.1 million in 1996. Gross is eligible for $300,000 in bonuses.

“I have a lot of high goals and expectations of myself,” he said. “I don’t necessarily expect to be the No. 1 starter. It’s going to take a team effort from the whole staff.”

Gross had the lowest earned-run average among the Dodger starters and topped the staff with 124 strikeouts. He also pitched for Philadelphia and Montreal.

The Rangers also signed free agent infielder-outfielder Mark McLemore to a two-year contract, using money it shaved from the payroll by dealing Jose Canseco and his $5.1-million contract to Boston on Friday.

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Felipe Alou, 59, will manage the Montreal Expos through the 1997 season under a contract extension.

Boxing

Heavyweight Larry Donald, struck twice in the face by Riddick Bowe at a Nov. 28 news conference at the Forum to promote their Dec. 3 fight, has agreed to drop the lawsuit he filed against Bowe on Dec. 2 in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Donald lost a 12-round decision to Bowe on Dec. 3 at Caesars Palace, and served legal papers to Bowe at a chaotic post-fight news conference.

Apparently the fighters worked out their differences last weekend.

Donald and Bowe, according to the release, have agreed to work together to help stop violence in the inner city through an organization called “Neighborhoods Against Crime.”

College Football

Fresno State fullback Chris Burk, previously charged with biting off part of a man’s lip during a brawl, has been cited for allegedly beating his own girlfriend. Burk was not arrested but was given a misdemeanor battery citation. The woman was thrown against a door and suffered a broken shoulder, a cut lip, a black eye and possibly broken ribs, police said.

Four Nebraska Cornhuskers, Washington running back Napoleon Kaufman and California quarterback Dave Barr were among 38 players selected to the West Team for the 70th annual East-West Shrine Game in Palo Alto.