Arizona’s Williams Breaks Leg in Practice

Arizona Diamondback third baseman Matt Williams broke his left leg in practice Monday in Tucson and is expected to miss the season opener.

Williams was fielding ground balls on a side field at the Tucson Electric Park complex when he rolled his ankle. Taken by ambulance to the University Medical Center, he was found to have a fracture in his left fibula--the long, thin outer bone of the lower leg--about six inches above the ankle.

Williams also dislocated his left ankle, damaging and stretching ligaments, trainer Paul Lessard said.

Williams, who missed 47 games last year with a hamstring injury and was limited by injuries to 96 games in 2000, said he slipped in the dirt and got his foot caught underneath his body.

Such injuries typically take four to six weeks to heal; the World Series champions open the season April 1 at home against San Diego.

*

Bobby Bonilla, who set the National League record for career home runs by a switch-hitter and helped the Florida Marlins win the 1997 World Series, retired.

A six-time All-Star during his 16 seasons, Bonilla turned 39 Saturday. Slowed by bad knees and other injuries, the outfielder-infielder saw limited playing time in recent years.

Bonilla hit .213 with five homers and 21 runs batted in in 174 at-bats as a reserve for St. Louis last season.

He finished his career with 287 home runs, 1,173 RBIs and a .279 average for eight teams, including the Dodgers. His 247 homers in the NL are the most by a switch-hitter.

*

Baltimore Oriole pitcher Buddy Groom agreed to a two-year, $6.25-million contract extension with a team option for 2005.

Groom, 36, is getting $2.5 million this season. The new deal calls for salaries of $3 million in 2003 and 2004.

The left-hander led the Orioles last season with 70 appearances and a career-high 11 saves. He was 1-4 with a 3.55 ERA and led American League relievers with 1.23 walks per nine innings.

*

Outfielder Raul Mondesi arrived at the Toronto Blue Jays’ spring camp in Dunedin, Fla., four days after the start of full-squad workouts but one day before the mandatory reporting date.

The former Dodger, who appeared to be in great shape, said he had expected to be traded during the off-season and even wanted a trade. “Everybody wanted me here so I changed my mind and I am ready to go,” Mondesi said.

*

New York Yankee first baseman Jason Giambi was scratched from an intrasquad game in Tampa, Fla., because of left hamstring tightness. It is not considered serious.