|
By KEN BERGER AP Sports Writer CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Andy Ashby shrugs and gives a suspicious look when approached at his locker. He doesn't enjoy talking about his contract status, and he's disgusted with the way he's pitched for his new team, the Philadelphia Phillies. The swaying palm trees and salty air indicate to most that it's still spring training. Ashby doesn't care. It seems pitching is the same to him whether he's doing it in spring or summer, up north or down south. ``I've got to stop throwing the ball down the middle of the plate, first of all,'' Ashby said. ``The big thing that's killed me my last two starts was the home run with guys on. It's killed me.'' As if Ashby's spring hadn't been brutal enough, he allowed three more homers Monday in another terrible start that came just one day after making those ominous comments. Ashby allowed a three-run homer by Mark McGwire and two-run shots by Ray Lankford and Shawon Dunston in falling behind 7-0. The Phillies came back to beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-7 in 10 innings at Jupiter, Fla. Ashby allowed seven runs and 11 hits in 5 1-3 innings with no walks and two strikeouts. For those who keep track of such things, Ashby has allowed 19 earned runs and six homers in 19 1-3 innings this spring. His ERA soared to 8.84. The acquisition of Ashby this past winter raised expectations for the Phillies, who have lacked a dependable No. 2 starter to back up Curt Schilling and have only one winning season in 13 years. If Ashby doesn't get straightened out soon, he's going to get a quick introduction to Philadelphia's official anthem. ``BOOOOOOO!'' ``I've been booed before, and I bet it's not going to be the last time I get booed,'' Ashby said. This is a fellow who takes his pitching seriously. Before even taking the mound in a real game with the Phillies, he's already shown he possesses a little of Schilling's fire. His monotone drawl and sharp self-criticism prompt thoughts of another man who isn't so pleasant when things are going poorly: Kevin Brown. Though he seems to have the makeup of an ace, Ashby doesn't have to be one in Philadelphia — at least once Schilling comes back from shoulder surgery in six weeks or so. ``We need to go out and be ourselves and keep us in this thing until we get Schill back, because he's a big part of this,'' Ashby said. ``I don't think you change yourself or change the way you pitch from where you are in the rotation.'' Ashby's contract status is one topic that doesn't appeal to him, especially in light of his struggles. ``If they want to talk, we'll talk,'' Ashby said recently. He was acquired by the Phillies from San Diego for three pitchers — Carlton Loewer, Adam Eaton and Steve Montgomery — and is in the final year of a $15 million, three-year contract. The 32-year-old will make $5.9 million this season, which is $250,000 more than Schilling will make. Ashby's agent, Adam Katz, met with Phillies general manager Ed Wade last Thursday, but the sides are not close. Ashby's age and accomplishments could land him a four- or five-year deal for close to $9 million a season in next winter's free-agent market. The Phillies are believed to be offering a $21 million, three-year deal. Asked Monday if he thought a compromise could be reached before the end of spring training, Katz said, ``I doubt it.'' ``We've had good discussions,'' Katz said. ``Everything is ongoing and cordial, but there's nothing new to talk about.'' Schilling is due to make $6.5 million next year, the option year of his contract. He said whatever Ashby gets won't enter into his negotiations. ``When we talk, it'll be all about me,'' Schilling said. ``It won't be about what they give Andy Ashby.'' Notes: Phillies Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt, who lives in Jupiter, paid a lengthy visit to the clubhouse before the game Monday. He spoke with manager Terry Francona, several players and batting coach Hal McRae — Schmidt's rival in the 1980 World Series. ... Reserve INF Kevin Jordan had three doubles and drove in two runs, tying him for the club lead with nine RBIs. |