Knoblauch Wins His Case

Players upped their arbitration record to 7-2 when Chuck Knoblauch beat the Minnesota Twins and was awarded a $4.67-million salary for 1996.

Philadelphia pitcher Willie Banks became the second player to lose this year, but with their plus-5 differential, players are assured of a winning record in arbitration for the first time since they went 14-10 in 1990.

Players have a chance for their best record ever. They also were plus-4 in 1980, when they were 15-11.

Two cases remain to be heard next week: Baltimore pitcher Arthur Rhodes and Boston shortstop John Valentin.

Knoblauch, who had a salary of $2,987,500 last season, had been offered $4 million by the Twins, but arbitrator Anthony Sinicropi ruled for the second baseman.

Minnesota, according to a lawyer at the hearing, offered a $17.8-million, four-year deal, but Knoblauch wanted $20 million over four years.

Knoblauch hit .333 last season with 11 homers, 63 RBIs, 78 walks and 46 steals in 54 attempts.

Banks, 2-6 last season, will earn $240,000, matching his 1995 salary. His bid for $590,000 was rejected by arbitrator Morton Mitchnick.