Hairston Breaks Finger

Baltimore Oriole second baseman Jerry Hairston broke his right ring finger Thursday in an exhibition game against the Florida Marlins at Fort Lauderdale, Fla., leaving his status for opening day in doubt.

The injury occurred in the first inning of the Orioles’ first game of spring, as Hairston was stealing third base.

If surgery were required, Hairston probably would be sidelined four to six weeks, ruining any chance he has of playing in the Orioles’ opener April 4 against the Boston Red Sox.

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The Arizona Diamondbacks have a new majority ownership group that plans to raise $99 million over the next 10 years to keep the financially strapped franchise competitive.

The plan could generate $14 million this season, money that could be used to acquire a player for the stretch run. The additional funds also would allow the team to re-sign players.

Three wealthy Phoenix-area businessmen, Dale Jensen, Mike Chipman and Ken Kendrick, and Canadian millionaire J.C. Royer form the majority ownership group in a restructuring that was finalized this week. The group bought out the previous managing partners, including Jerry Colangelo.

Colangelo, however, has been added as a fifth member of the majority ownership group and will head the franchise as chairman and chief executive.

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Infielder Keith Ginter and the Milwaukee Brewers agreed to a three-year contract worth $1.93 million. Outfielder Scott Podsednik, runner-up for National League rookie of the year, agreed to a one-year deal worth $400,000 if he stays in the major leagues and $300,000 if he is sent to the minors. Podsednik, 28, hit .314 with 100 runs and 43 stolen bases last year.

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Pittsburgh Pirate outfielder Chris Singleton was given his unconditional release, and his minor league contract was voided when he failed his physical.