No Agreement; Team Renews Beltre Contract

VERO BEACH, Fla. — Unable to reach agreement on a multiyear deal, the Dodgers renewed Adrian Beltre’s contract Saturday, upsetting Beltre’s agent and further complicating a difficult situation.

Dodger Chairman Bob Daly and Beltre’s agent, Scott Boras, have been unable to complete a three-year deal for the young third baseman despite lengthy talks spanning several weeks.

The Dodgers have offered Beltre a package worth about $5 million, sources said, but the sides remain apart on the contract’s total value, signing bonus and third-year salary. Boras is believed to be seeking $7 million to $8 million.

Facing Saturday’s major league player-signing deadline, the Dodgers renewed Beltre’s contract at $330,000 this season. Beltre, who made $220,000 last season, was given a one-year salary higher than most second-year players have received from the team, but that didn’t satisfy Boras.

Daly spoke optimistically about continuing discussions, but Boras wasn’t as upbeat.

“We’re gravely disappointed that a player of Adrian Beltre’s stature has been renewed,” Boras said. “We’ve made every attempt to circumvent such a stance by the club.

“We’re going to continue to talk, continue to take every step possible, to resolve this matter. . . . But the minute negotiations stall, we’re going to pursue our other options.”

Assisted by the Major League Players Assn., Boras is trying to have Beltre declared a free agent because the Dodgers violated major league rules by signing him before his 16th birthday. The commissioner’s office punished the Dodgers by forcing them to suspend operations in Beltre’s homeland of the Dominican Republic, but the club retained Beltre’s rights.

Boras said previously that the matter probably would go to arbitration unless an agreement was reached by Saturday’s signing deadline. Boras also intimated that he would pursue legal action if an arbitrator ruled against Beltre.

A hearing hasn’t been set because Commissioner Bud Selig, the owners, players’ association and Player Relations Committee want Daly and Boras to settle. Other players have been signed in violation of baseball’s age requirement, and a hearing on Beltre’s case could impact the industry negatively.

Boras, however, said time is running out for the club to resolve the matter. “There comes a time when you just can’t continue [to negotiate],” Boras said. “I don’t set deadlines, but you eventually reach that point.”

For Daly, that point will come within 10 days. He said if a deal isn’t done by then, one probably won’t get done.

And how’s Beltre handling the situation?

He said little Saturday, referring questions to Boras. Daly and other Dodger officials said Beltre is focused on the upcoming season and unfazed by the ongoing situation.

However, a team source said Beltre got angry in the Dodgertown clubhouse last week because of the slow process. Coach Manny Mota quickly escorted Beltre out.

Boras declined to comment on the incident but acknowledged Beltre is frustrated and confused.

“It is very difficult for a player to be told by his club that he’s a superstar, and then to understand why the club won’t compensate him fairly,” Boras said.

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Struggling pitcher Carlos Perez had his second rough outing in a 9-6 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at Jupiter.

Perez gave up four hits and four runs (three earned) in three innings. Craig Paquette hit a three-run, third-inning home run off Perez to give the Cardinals a 4-0 lead.

Perez’s fastball was clocked at 89 mph, good for him, but command problems again overshadowed the left-hander’s effort.

Surprisingly, Perez was encouraged by his performance.

“Much better,” Perez said, comparing it to his first spring appearance when he was pounded for five runs in two innings. “That’s what I want, to do better every day. This season is not going to be like ’99.”

Manager Davey Johnson wasn’t as enthusiastic.

“He threw too many pitches (73) in three innings,” Johnson said. “His rhythm is not there yet.”

General Manager Kevin Malone gave Perez a three-year, $15.6-million contract before last season. Perez is owed $5 million this season, but his status is still unsettled.