BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJORS : McDowell, Yanks Come to Terms

Jack McDowell and the New York Yankees avoided salary arbitration when McDowell agreed to a $5.4 million, one-year contract.

McDowell acquired from the Chicago White Sox during the strike, gets a raise of $100,000. He is eligible for free agency after the season.

McDowell was 10-9 with a 3.73 ERA in 25 starts last year.

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The Texas Rangers placed Juan Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 16, because of a herniated disk in his back. Gonzalez has been sidelined since aggravating the injury April 16. Also, the Rangers released veteran reliever Mark Williamson.

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Negotiators for locked-out umpires and major league owners talked throughout the weekend with no progress. . . . The Oakland A’s released veteran pitcher Bob Welch. . . . Veteran infielder Scott Fletcher agreed to a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers. He will likely take the roster spot of Alan Trammell, who will be placed on the disabled list retroactive to April 21 after his sore left hamstring is examined by a doctor. . . . Outfielder Sammy Sosa and the Chicago Cubs settled on a $4.3-million, one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration. . . . Florida Marlin shortstop Kurt Abbott was placed on the 15-day disabled list and will miss the first seven games because of a pulled right hamstring. Alex Arias will replace him.