BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Bonilla, Writer in Heated Exchange

Bobby Bonilla, a favorite target of the fans and media in 1992, exchanged heated words with New York Daily News sports writer Bob Klapisch after the Mets lost to Houston in New York.

Some of the Mets are angry over a book about the club written by Klapisch and John Harper. Both were reporters covering the team until this season.

Their book, “The Worst Team Money Could Buy,” chronicles off-field episodes from the last few seasons and criticizes Manager Jeff Torborg for the way he handled the team last year. New York finished 72-90 with a payroll of $44 million.

“I will hurt you,” Bonilla told Klapisch. “I will show you the Bronx.”

Bonilla and Klapisch then had to be separated by Met public relations director Jay Horwitz. Some witnesses also reported that Bonilla told Klapisch, “This isn’t over.”

“It was as close as I’ve come to having a fight with a player,” Klapisch said. “I was doing an interview with Doc Gooden when (Bonilla) started threatening me.”

The Pittsburgh Pirates signed shortstop Jay Bell to a new contract that will pay him $20.1 million through the 1997 season.

Bell, who led all major league shortstops with 51 extra-base hits last season, will make $3 million in 1994, $4.2 million in 1995, $4.5 million in 1996 and $4.8 million in 1997 under the four-year extension. The contract also includes a $1-million signing bonus.