Athletics Say They Can’t Keep Tejada

The Oakland Athletics will not offer Miguel Tejada a multiyear contract to remain with the team after this season, owner Steve Schott said Saturday in Phoenix, acknowledging the A’s can’t afford to keep the American League most valuable player.

Schott said Oakland would not negotiate with the star shortstop, which Tejada was hoping to do during spring training. He wants a long-term contract and the A’s can’t offer that, Schott said.

Tejada’s agents have asked the team to make an offer first. He can become a free agent after this season.

“I just think the world of him,” Schott said. “The problem is there’s absolutely no way we can sign Miguel to a long-term contract.

“The system is broken down when only two or three teams can pick up a player of Miguel’s caliber and sign him to an eight-to-10-year contract and pay him the money he deserves. This small-market team with the system we have just can’t afford him.”

After announcing the decision, Schott took Tejada aside to break the news to him. “I know he’s going to be unhappy and hurt about it,” said Schott, who added that the club would not make Tejada a low offer because “I’m not going to insult the guy.”

*

Tug McGraw was transferred to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla., after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, a source close to the former star pitcher said.

Two other sources, who are also close to McGraw, said the tumor was malignant. Doctors found at least two tumors, and were doing further tests to determine if they can operate, one of the sources said. The three sources spoke on condition that they not be identified.

Andrea Brunias, media relations coordinator at Moffitt Cancer Center, said the hospital is prohibited by state law from releasing any information about patients.

*

The Seattle Mariners have decided to assign injured reliever Norm Charlton to their minor league camp

Charlton, 40, is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery Monday in Seattle to repair a torn anterior capsule on the front of his left shoulder.