NEW YORK — NEW YORK -- Andre Dawson and the Chicago Cubs may be parting. The 38-year-old outfielder was one of nine players who filed for free agency yesterday, increasing the record total to 138. Dawson wanted to sign a contract extension during spring training, before the final season of his $6.6 million, two-year deal, but was rebuffed.
Meanwhile, Toronto's total of free agents increased to 12 when infielder Manuel Lee filed.
Also filing were 41-year-old Califoria pitcher Bert Blyleven, New York Yankees outfielder Jesse Barfield, Cubs third baseman Luis Salazar, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Jay Howell and catcher Mike Scioscia, San Francisco pitcher Scott Garrelts and Boston outfielder Steve Lyons.