Dodgers Begin Contract Talks With Nomo

The Dodgers opened preliminary contract talks Friday with Hideo Nomo, the 1995 rookie of the year, and will resume them in December when agent Don Nomura returns from Japan.

Nomura and Fred Claire, Dodger executive vice president, said it’s too early to discuss the prospects of a multiyear contract.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed that Ramon Martinez will be the highest-paid player in Dodger history with his three-year, $15-million contract, which could go to $20 million over four years if the Dodgers pick up his option in 1999.

Martinez is guaranteed $1.5 million in signing bonus money--$750,000 each February in 1996 and ’97. His salary will be $4.05 million each in 1996 and ‘97, and $4.8 million in ’98. The 1999 option is worth $5.6 million, or a $600,000 buyout.

The Dodgers filled their 40-man roster by adding pitchers Brandon Watts and Eric Weaver, shortstop Wilton Guerrero and catcher Ken Huckaby. They designated infielder Miguel Cairo for assignment.