Young Signs Deal

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays signed No. 1 overall pick Delmon Young to a $5.8-million, five-year contract Tuesday.

The outfielder, who will report to the Devil Rays’ instructional league program Sept. 19, will receive a $3.7-million signing bonus.

Young, 18, the younger brother of Detroit’s Dmitri Young, batted .541 with seven home runs last season at Camarillo High. He was the first selection in June’s amateur draft.

Asked whether signing a major league contract was a dream come true, Young said, “Winning the World Series would be.”

To make room on the 40-man roster for Young, Tampa Bay transferred shortstop Rey Ordonez from the 15- to the 60-day disabled list. Ordonez is out because of a knee injury.

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If the Montreal Expos play a split home schedule next year, they want a better setup.

The Expos met before Tuesday night’s game against the Chicago Cubs at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and decided not to vote on whether to accept such a plan.

Catcher Brian Schneider said the players were concerned over playing another 22 “home” games away from Montreal.

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Florida reliever Tim Spooneybarger had reconstructive elbow surgery and isn’t expected to pitch again before the 2005 season.