Mariners Acquire Fassero from Expos

Seattle acquired left-handed pitcher Jeff Fassero in a five-player trade with Montreal.

Fassero, 33, was the best pitcher on the Expos this season, going 15-11 with a 3.30 ERA in 34 starts. Montreal, deciding it wanted to lower its payroll even more, has committed itself to getting rid of its high-priced veterans.

The Mariners also got right-handed minor-league prospect Alex Pacheco from the Expos, sending catcher Chris Widger and pitchers Matt Wagner and Trey Moore to Montreal.

Before making the deal, Fassero and the Mariners agreed to a $13.5-million, three-year contract.

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The Philadelphia Phillies will name Terry Francona their new manager today, sources told the Associated Press.

Francona, 37, was en route to Philadelphia Tuesday night and was not available for comment. General Manager Lee Thomas, reached at his home late Tuesday night, refused to confirm the report.

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Mark McGwire and outfielders Ken Griffey Jr., Albert Belle and Juan Gonzalez highlight the Associated Press major league all-star team.

Dodger catcher Mike Piazza, picked for the combined team for the fourth consecutive season, and Belle were the only players to repeat from 1995.

The 1996 team: catcher, Piazza; first base, McGwire; second base, Chuck Knoblauch; shortstop, Alex Rodriguez; third base, Ken Caminiti; outfield, Belle, Griffey, Gonzalez; designated hitter, Paul Molitor; right-handed starter, John Smoltz; left-handed starter, Andy Pettitte and reliever, John Wetteland.

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Cincinnati decided to give pitcher Mark Portugal a $400,000 buyout rather than exercise a $4.25-million option, and San Francisco decided to give second baseman Robby Thompson a $375,000 buyout rather than exercise a $3,375,000 option. . . . Lee MacPhail, 27, the nephew of Chicago Cub president Andy MacPhail and grandson of former American League president Lee MacPhail, has been hired as the Cleveland Indians director of scouting.