‘Highly Unlikely’ Belle Will Ever Play Again

Albert Belle and the Baltimore Orioles agree that it’s “highly unlikely� he will ever appear in another game, according to a source familiar with his conversations with the team.

Belle, who hasn’t played in any spring training games because of his injured right hip, was examined Wednesday by two team doctors.

Belle, Oriole owner Peter Angelos and the players’ association had conversations about how to proceed with the outfielder’s departure, said the source, who spoke on the condition he not be identified.

“Everyone has agreed it is highly unlikely he will play baseball again,� the source said.

Baltimore owes Belle $13 million in each of the final three seasons of his $65-million, five-year contract, but 70% of each season’s total is covered by insurance. The team’s options appear to be releasing him or putting him on the 60-day disabled list for each of the next three seasons.

Belle has missed all six of the Orioles’ exhibition games because of the injury, which has left him with a noticeable limp.

WBAL, the Orioles’ radio flagship station, reported that Belle would announce his retirement this week, and Belle said in an interview with USA Today that it would take a “miracle� for him to play again.

*

New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter could make his spring training debut Saturday.

Jeter, slowed by an inflamed joint in his right shoulder, took batting practice for the first time since Feb. 26.

“It went all right,� Jeter said. “Every day you do a little bit more and you’re able to find out. Hopefully, things will continue to progress.�

Jeter said he is throwing about 70% and will continue increasing the intensity level daily.

“Maybe a couple more days,� Jeter said when asked when his arm could be ready for game action.

*

Carl Everett missed the Boston Red Sox team bus Wednesday morning when it made the 120-mile trip from Fort Myers, Fla., to Clearwater for a game against Philadelphia.

Red Sox Manager Jimy Williams didn’t say why Everett missed the 7:45 a.m. EST departure or whether he will be punished.

*

Baltimore pitcher Luis Rivera will be out the entire season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. . . . San Francisco pitcher Felix Rodriguez agreed to a two-year contract extension through 2003, a deal that contains mutual options for 2004 and 2005. . . . Colorado relief pitcher Jerry Dipoto, 32, who overcame thyroid cancer in 1994, tearfully announced his retirement because of a bulging disc in his neck. His 3.95 earned-run average at Coors Field is the lowest of any pitcher with at least 120 innings. . . . Arizona catcher Damian Miller will be sidelined five to seven days because of a broken bone in his left index finger.