The Associated Press

NEW YORK - Umpire Bruce Froemming has apologized for using an anti-Semitic slur and will not contest the penalty that resulted - a 10-day suspension without pay and the loss of a trip to Tokyo to work the major league opener.

Baseball's most senior crew chief made the derogatory remark about umpiring administrator Cathy Davis after talking to officials regarding his travel arrangements to Japan.

He referred to her as a "stupid Jew bitch."

"I'm sincerely sorry," Froemming said Friday from his home in Florida. "I made a stupid remark and I accept my punishment.

"I've apologized to Ms. Davis. There was no anti-Semitism whatsoever on my part."

While the Froemming matter was perhaps finished, another issue that could involve umpire discipline was beginning.

Baseball is investigating whether umpire John Hirschbeck made personal threats against a top major league official during a conversation last month.

The alleged threats were made during a discussion between Hirschbeck and Rob Manfred, management's top labor lawyer, according to a major league source who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Hirschbeck was upset that an acquaintance was one of 26 baseball employees laid off on Jan. 22, the source said.

Manfred declined comment Friday. A call to Hirschbeck was not immediately returned.

At 63, Froemming was to begin his 33rd major league season by handling the two-game, opening series between the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners in Tokyo, March 25-26.

Froemming had been told to let the major league office make his travel arrangements to Japan, but he did them on his own. He spoke to baseball officials about the matter on the phone and made the remark after he thought he had already hung up.

Froemming, who has worked five World Series, will be replaced by Steve Rippley for the games in Japan.

In June 1996, NL president Len Coleman fined Froemming after he went into the Los Angeles Dodgers' clubhouse before a game against the Mets in New York to get players' autographs.

ASTROS: Craig Biggio, a second baseman who is moving to the outfield this season, agreed to a one-year contract extension through 2004, a contract that contains a club option for 2005 and could be worth up to $9 million over two years.

Biggio will earn $8 million in 2003, the final season of a $33 million, four-year deal.

BLUE JAYS: Right-hander Kelvim Escobar signed a $3.9 million, one-year contract with Toronto.

Escobar was 5-7 with a 4.27 ERA and 38 saves last year, fifth most in the American League.

DIAMONDBACKS: Infielder Carlos Baerga agreed to a minor-league contract with Arizona and was invited to spring training as a non-roster player.

Baerga batted .286 with 19 RBI in 73 games with the Boston Red Sox last season.

EXPOS: Right-hander Joey Eischen and Montreal avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year deal that guarantees him $800,000.

Eischen made 59 appearances for the Expos last season, going 6-1 with a 1.34 ERA.

PIRATES: Right-hander Jeff Suppan's $1 million, one-year contract with Pittsburgh was finalized.

Suppan, expected to be the Pirates' No. 4 starter, is one of four major-leaguers to pitch 200-plus innings in each of the last four years.

ROYALS: Former Reds outfielder Mike Kelly, who hasn't played in the major leagues since 1999, signed a minor-league contract with Kansas City.

ETC: Former National League MVP Ken Caminiti allegedly violated probation by using cocaine, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

A urine sample Caminiti gave Monday showed he had used the drug, according to the warrant.

The 39-year-old Caminiti pleaded guilty to cocaine possession in March 2002.

Former Florida Marlins infielder Kevin Millar's status could be clarified next week when a Chunichi Dragons official meets with a lawyer in the commissioner's office.

Florida sold Millar's rights to the Japanese team for $1.2 million, and he reached an oral agreement on a $6.2 million, two-year contract. But after the Red Sox expressed interest in signing him, Millar said he wanted to play in Boston.

Negotiations between the Red Sox and Dragons haven't settled the issue.

Comiskey Park was renamed U.S. Cellular Field under a deal that will pay the Chicago White Sox $68 million over 20 years.