Indians to Sign Aaron Boone

Free-agent third baseman Aaron Boone has reached a tentative agreement on a two-year contract with Cleveland, Associated Press reported Friday night.

Boone, whose 11th-inning homer in Game 7 of last season’s American League championship series put the New York Yankees in the World Series, hasn’t played since injuring his left knee during a pickup basketball game in January.

The Indians, who outbid several other teams for Boone, 31, have scheduled a news conference for today, contingent on Boone’s passing a physical.

Indian General Manager Mark Shapiro confirmed that the team was having contract talks with Boone’s agent, Adam Katz.

“We are in the midst of negotiations, which are progressing,” Shapiro said before Cleveland’s 10-8 loss to Colorado.

Cleveland needs to make sure Boone’s knee is sound before finalizing the deal.

Boone had surgery before being released in February by the Yankees. He agreed in December to a one-year, $5.75-million deal with New York, but the contract prohibited him from playing basketball. So the Yankees had to give Boone only 30 days termination pay -- $917,553.

The Indians will benefit from Boone’s versatility. He can play third base, second base and shortstop.

“He’s a good person and a good player who can make this team better,” said third baseman Casey Blake, who may have to move to first when Boone arrives. “I’ll play wherever they want and I know Aaron will, too.”

Boone batted .254 with six homers and 31 runs batted in last season for New York, which acquired him from the Reds last July for left-handers Brandon Claussen and Charlie Manning.

Overall, Boone batted .267 with 24 homers and 96 RBIs last season and was named a National League All-Star.

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Major league baseball is pushing back its decision on where to relocate the Montreal Expos until after the All-Star break.

Officials, who postponed deciding the team’s future home in 2002 and 2003, had targeted the July 13 game in Houston as their goal.

“I’m confident a decision will not be made before or at the All-Star game,” said Bob DuPuy, baseball’s chief operating officer.

Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia appear to be the leading contenders to land the Expos, bought by the other 29 teams before the 2002 season.

Other areas trying to land the team include Las Vegas; Monterrey, Mexico; Norfolk, Va.; Portland, Ore.; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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The Chicago White Sox put left-hander Scott Schoeneweis on the 15-day disabled list because of an inflamed left elbow and recalled right-hander Felix Diaz from Triple-A Charlotte.

Schoeneweis is 5-6 with a 4.36 earned-run average in 14 starts and has lost four decisions in a row.

“It’s really more precautionary than anything,” General Manager Ken Williams said. “There is nothing structurally wrong with him. It was just Scott’s feeling that he wasn’t going to be able to go full bore tomorrow. So rather than be sorry, we are being a little safe.”

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Florida right-hander Josh Beckett was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained back muscle. He felt a “pop” in his back June 17.