Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 12, 1990 TAG: 9005120301
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: SEATTLE LENGTH: Medium
"I was traded, but I ain't going nowhere," Winfield said. "I'm not packing for California, but I can't put on a Yankee uniform, either. I'm in limbo. Get me a cab for limbo."
Winfield, who missed all of last season after back surgery, said he has the right to turn down the deal down because he has been in the major leagues for 10 years, the last five with the same team.
The Yankees claim Winfield's contract contains seven teams he was willing to be traded to and the Angels are one of them.
The Yankees said the deal - for pitcher Mike Witt - will be decided by an arbitrator, but no timetable has been set. Until the dispute is settled, Winfield won't play for the Yankees or the Angels. Witt has 72 hours to join New York.
The Angels have agreed that even if Winfield does not join the club, Witt will stay with New York.
"We felt we had a pitching surplus, and we expect Winfield to improve our run production capabilities," said Mike Port, the Angels' general manager. "We want him here. He fits into our plans."
Yankees officials said other compensation would have to be considered if Winfield remains in New York.
"It's probably the best thing for me professionally by far," Witt said of the deal. "It's a business. They made a decision and I'm just part of the business."
New York general manager Harding Peterson said the Yankees will use 24 players until the matter is resolved.
The trade was the latest episode in Winfield's long-running feud with George Steinbrenner, the Yankees' owner. Steinbrenner has criticized the outfielder's clutch-hitting ability and the operation of the David M. Winfield Foundation, a charitable organization that helps underprivileged children.
Winfield, who is batting .213 with two homers and six runs batted in, was taking batting practice before Friday night's game at Seattle when he learned of the trade.
"It's kind of surprising," said Don Mattingly, the Yankees' first baseman. "We were out there hitting and all of sudden Dave was off the field.
"It's seems like they should have tried to talk to him. Now we're stuck. I wouldn't think [manager] Bucky [Dent] would want to be short a man."
Winfield, who went 0-for-22 during the Yankees' last homestand, was demoted by Dent to platoon status on April 29.
The Yankees announced the deal at an emotional news conference attended by Winfield and Peterson.
When a reporter asked Winfield what would happen if he went to the Angels, the player said, "I might be treated as a human being."
Peterson then said, "That's not a very nice comment, Dave."
Winfield, a 12-time All-Star, responded by requesting a meeting with Steinbrenner.
"He's the man who makes the decisions," Winfield said. However, Peterson said Steinbrenner played no part in the deal.
Winfield, 38, is in his 17th major-league season and has a lifetime batting average of .287 with 359 home runs.
Keywords:
BASEBALL
by CNB