Final Arbitration Week Begins

Right-handers Billy Simas and Bryce Florie agreed to two-year contracts Monday as the final week of salary arbitration began with five settlements.

Simas and the Chicago White Sox agreed to a deal worth $3,275,000, while Florie and the Red Sox settled on a contract worth $2.8 million.

Outfielder Mike Cameron, obtained by Seattle last week from Cincinnati in the Ken Griffey Jr. trade, got a one-year contract from the Mariners worth $2,225,000. Also getting one-year deals were Reds outfielder Alex Ochoa ($862,500) and Montreal second baseman Wilton Guerrero ($825,000).

Anaheim pitcher Jason Dickson, who missed all of last season following right shoulder surgery, argued his case Monday in Tampa, Fla., asking a panel for a raise from $375,000 to $600,000. The Angels offered the 26-year-old right-hander the same salary.

Arbitrators Alan Symonette, I.B. Helburn and Kenneth Perea will decide the case, probably Tuesday.

Two players settled during the weekend. San Francisco left-hander Alan Embree got a $4.55 million, two-year contract, a deal that includes a $400,000 signing bonus, $1.25 million this year and $2.2 million in 2001. The Giants have a $2.4 million option for 2002 with a $300,000 buyout.

Arizona shortstop Andy Fox agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract.

Among the 90 players who filed last month, seven players remain in arbitration, with hearings scheduled on Thursday and Friday. Still remaining are New York Mets right-hander Armando Benitez, Arizona right-hander Brad Clontz, Boston outfielder Carl Everett, Baltimore catcher Charles Johnson, New York Yankees right-hander Mariano Rivera, Texas first baseman Lee Stevens and Cincinnati outfielder Dmitri Young.

Players lead 3-2 in cases decided thus far.

Simas gets $1.35 million this year and $1,925,000 in 2001 under his new deal, up from $1.15 million. Florie gets annual salaries of $1.35 million and $1.45 million, up from $1.3 million.

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