Weaver Suffers a Heart Attack

Former Baltimore manager Earl Weaver was hospitalized last week after having a heart attack, a club spokesman confirmed Monday night.

John Maroon, director of public relations for the team, said details were sketchy but the Orioles had been told that Weaver, who turns 68 on Friday, was taken to a South Florida hospital after suffering what was described as a mild heart attack before a golf outing.

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Florida Marlin President Don Smiley’s 10-month effort to buy the team is on the verge of defeat, and owner Wayne Huizenga is seriously considering an offer from commodities trader John Henry, sources said.

Henry, a Boca Raton millionaire, has offered $150 million for the franchise. Huizenga wants $169 million, but Henry’s bid is estimated to be at least $35 million more than the best offer from Smiley’s investment group.

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Atlanta Brave reliever Mark Wohlers has left the team for a second optional assignment with triple-A Richmond in his continuing effort to regain his control and revive his career.

Wohlers flew to Richmond after Sunday’s game in San Francisco. He said the assignment--which begins today--will last “no longer than 10 days,” although his return to the Braves remains open-ended. The club has not determined who will take Wohlers’ place on the roster.

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Pitcher Manuel Barrios, sent by Florida to the Dodgers as part of the Mike Piazza trade, returned to the Marlins when he was claimed off waivers. . . . The New York Mets acquired outfielder Jermaine Allensworth from the Kansas City Royals for a player to be named. To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Mets designated outfielder Benny Agbayani for assignment.

The Baltimore Orioles acquired third baseman-outfielder Willie Greene from the Cincinnati Reds for outfielder Jeffrey Hammonds.