Manager Alou Plans to Stay in Montreal

Montreal Expo Manager Felipe Alou said Saturday he would exercise his option to extend his contract through next season.

“And, I assure you it has nothing to do with revenue sharing,” Alou said with a grin. “I made the decision before camp opened. I just hadn’t advised management in writing.”

Alou’s contract carried through the 1996 season. He had an option to manage in 1997.

“If he wants to, he can come back in 1998,” said Claude Brochu, team president. “In fact, Felipe Alou can manage the Expos as long as he wants.”

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The Cincinnati Reds put reliever Jeff Brantley, pitcher Jose Rijo and outfielders Eric Anthony and Thomas Howard on the disabled list.

The four will be eligible to return April 6. Rijo’s move was a formality, as he is not expected back from reconstructive elbow surgery until well into the season.

The Reds also released reliever Rich Rodriguez.

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The Seattle Mariners signed Edgar Martinez to a two-year contract extension through the 1998 season. Terms of the extension were not disclosed. . . . The Colorado Rockies put infielder Eric Young and pitcher Bret Saberhagen on the 15-day disabled list. . . . Veteran outfielder Dave Gallagher left the Cleveland Indians’ camp on Friday after he was apparently unable to win a roster spot on the American League champions. . . . Milwaukee Brewer pitcher Jamie McAndrew, considered a possible fifth starter when camp began, needs knee surgery that could sideline him until midsummer. No date for surgery has been set. . . . Attendance is down 18% at exhibition games in Arizona this year. The eight major-league teams that train in the desert averaged 5,760 fans per game through Thursday, compared with a record 7,021 fans in the spring of ‘94, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.