The Associated Press

CHICAGO - Wrigley Field is closer to landmark status after a Chicago City Council committee unanimously approved a plan that would declare the ballpark a landmark but still allow some changes.

The stadium opened in April 1914.

The Committee on Historical Landmarks and Preservation recommended Tuesday that the council approve the ordinance, but with provisions that would allow the Chicago Cubs to build about 200 new box seats and make other possible alterations.

The council is expected to take up the issue Feb. 11.

ORIOLES: All-Star Melvin Mora agreed to a $10.5 million, three-year contract with Baltimore on Wednesday, avoiding salary arbitration.

Mora hit .317 with 15 homers and 48 RBI in 96 games and was the Orioles' lone representative in the All-Star Game.

Mora received a $1 million signing bonus. He will earned $2 million in 2004, $3.5 million in 2005 and $4 million in 2006.

TIGERS: Third baseman Dean Palmer, plagued in recent years by neck and shoulder injuries, announced his retirement.

The 35-year-old hit 275 homers in 14 seasons with Detroit, Texas and Kansas City.

MARLINS: Darren Oliver agreed to a $750,000, one-year contract with Florida, a deal contingent on the left-hander passing a physical.

Oliver, 33, went 13-11 with a 5.04 ERA in 33 games and 180 innings for the Colorado Rockies last year.

METS: Todd Zeile, 38, returned to the New York Mets on Wednesday, finalizing his $1 million, one-year contract.

The infielder spent last season with the New York Yankees and Montreal, batting a combined .227 with 11 homers and 42 RBI.

YANKEES: With the Yankees almost certain to lose Aaron Boone because of a knee injury for the 2004 season, recently signed free agent Gary Sheffield, who has played the outfield since 1994, told GM Brian Cashman he would re-convert to third base if necessary. Sheffield broke into the major leagues as a shortstop and has played 466 games at third base.

There was no indication how Sheffield's idea was received by the club.

• Infielder Tyler Houston and outfielder Darren Bragg have agreed to minor-league contracts.