BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : Rizzuto Returns to Yankees’ Booth

Phil Rizzuto, the Hall of Fame New York Yankees shortstop who retired after 39 years as a broadcaster for the team near the end of last season, decided to return to the booth for a 40th season on a limited basis.

Rizzuto, 77, will serve as an announcer for 31 of the 55 games scheduled to be broadcast on WPIX-TV.

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Lou Piniella, last season’s American League manager of the year, got a four-year contract extension from the Seattle Mariners. Piniella, 52, is signed through the 2000 season.

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The Boston Red Sox waived Luis Alicea, 30, a month after signing the second baseman to a one-year contract.

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The Montreal Expos, who rarely offer contracts for more than one year, agreed to a five-year deal that will pay outfielder Rondell White $10.3 million.