DH Franco signs with Brewers

Former White Sox designated hitter Julio Franco agreed Wednesdayto a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers, who expected him to jointhe team today before a series against the Anaheim Angels.

Franco, 35, is a career .302 hitter who had been released by theCleveland Indians on Aug. 1. He batted .319 with 20 home runs and 98RBI for the Sox in the strike-shortened 1994 season.

"Julio brings an experienced presence to our club," Brewersgeneral manager Sal Bando said. "His offensive abilities are goingto be a big plus for our club down the stretch."Franco hit .284 with three home runs and 25 RBI with the Indiansthis season.BACK TO NEW YORK: The New York Yankees reacquired utility playerMike Stanley, who spent four seasons with the team before leaving asa free agent after the 1995 season, from the Boston Red Sox.The Yankees brought back Stanley, who was hitting .300 with 13home runs and 53 RBI for the Red Sox, because they need someright-handed pop in their lineup with slugger Cecil Fielder on thedisabled list."I felt that adding another quality right-handed bat would give(manager) Joe Torre the weapons he needs to make a real, real strongrun at a (World Series) repeat," Yankees general manager Bob Watsonsaid. "It also sends a message to the rest of the league, the fansand media."The Red Sox also sent over minor-league infielder Randy Brownfor minor-league pitcher Tony Armas, the 19-year-old son of formerbig-league slugger Tony Armas, and a player to be named.NO DISCIPLINE: In another decision that erodes baseball'sdisciplinary power, an arbitrator ordered that all players must bepaid during suspensions for on-field misconduct.In a case involving Ron Gant, Terry Pendleton and XavierHernandez, arbitrator Nicholas Zumas decided that withholding the payof suspended players amounted to "an improper fine," even if theircontracts contained clauses specifically giving teams the right notto pay them during bans."A special covenant that does not provide an actual or potentialadditional benefit is not binding and is not enforceable," Zumaswrote in a 35-page decision signed Monday and obtained by theAssociated Press.Zumas was fired as baseball's independent arbitrator by ownersand players July 30, but a fired arbitrator is allowed to rule oncases that already have been argued before him.