Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 24, 1990 TAG: 9006240217
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: E4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: OAKLAND, CALIF. LENGTH: Short
Canseco was in the Athletics' lineup Saturday against the Chicago White Sox.
On Friday, Canseco indicated he was close to signing a new contract with Oakland. "We're very close," he said.
When asked if the two sides had agreed to a dollar amount for the contract, Canseco said, "Yes. It's down to minor details."
Canseco would not comment on the specific figure or the length of the deal, but when asked if he would be the highest-paid player in the game, he said, "That should be the obvious."
The National sports daily reported in today's editions that Canseco would receive a five-year contract worth $23 million. The deal could make him the first baseball player to receive $5 million per year.
New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly is the highest-paid player, with a $19.6 million, five-year deal.
According to another report, Canseco's representatives turned down a deal worth $19.63 million over five years. Another report had Canseco asking for $20 million over four years, and the Athletics countering with an offer of $20 million over five years.
Sandy Alderson, Oakland's general manager, did not return phone calls to his office Saturday and could not be reached for comment.
Canseco, 25, is playing under a one-year, $2 million contract. He is eligible to become a free agent after the 1991 season.
Canseco hit 20 home runs with 50 RBI while batting .325 in 52 games before being placed on the disabled list with a back injury.
by CNB