Willie Greene will soon have a new contract for the 1998 season. The question facing the Reds' third baseman is whether to make a deal with the team or go to arbitration - and every indication is he'll opt for the former.
Greene became eligible for arbitration Monday but did not file a request with major-league baseball. That didn't surprise Reds General Manager Jim Bowden, who said Monday the team is working on a one-year deal for the 26-year old slugger in the hope of avoiding arbitration. The Reds expect to sign Greene for about $1.5 million for 1998, a substantial raise over his 1997 salary of $300,000.
''We don't think he'll file,'' Bowden said. ''We're still working on a settlement.''
Bowden said he has no timetable for the negotiations, but if Greene wants to go to arbitration, he must file by Jan. 15.
If he goes that route, he can still strike a deal up to his arbitration hearing. Hearings are scheduled for Feb. 1-21.
Greene, who has been playing in a winter league in Puerto Rico, could not be reached for comment.
Bowden said the Reds are offering only a one-year deal because of the team's uncertain financial future.
''Right now, given the financial situation and the stadium issue, we don't want long-term exposure,'' Bowden said. ''We haven't signed any of our players to long-term deals.''
Always a promising prospect, Greene came into his own last year, his second full season in the majors. He hit .253 with with 26 home runs and 91 RBI.
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