Indians’ Fryman Needs More Tests

Travis Fryman’s right elbow may be worse than the Cleveland Indians feared.

The all-star third baseman has been sent back to Cleveland for further medical tests on the elbow, which has been hurting Fryman since the end of last season.

Fryman, coming off his most productive season, sat out his second consecutive exhibition game and was in good spirits while working out Thursday in Winter Haven, Fla., as he awaited results of an MRI exam taken Wednesday.

But after examining the MRI’s findings, the Indians want Fryman to have a second exam today at Cleveland’s Lutheran Hospital.

“We can say it might be this, it might be that,” Indian Manager Charlie Manuel said. “We don’t want any mights, that’s why we’re getting a second opinion.”

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The Florida Marlins’ new ballpark would be built downtown by the Miami River if the team can win approval of its financing plan from the Florida Legislature.

The city commission approved the site, 4-1, after the Marlins’ first choice--park land along Biscayne Bay--was eliminated from consideration because of opposition by environmentalists and other groups.

It appears the earliest the ballpark would open would be for the 2005 season.

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Sammy Sosa and the Chicago Cubs are expected to announce a deal today that could keep him in Chicago for the rest of his career. . . . Third baseman Corey Koskie and the Minnesota Twins agreed to a three-year, $6.2-million contract. . . . Oakland Athletic infielder Olmedo Saenz agreed to a two-year, $1.35-million contract. . . . Boston Red Sox pitcher Frank Castillo was knocked out of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays by a line drive off his throwing hand. Castillo said he was not seriously hurt.