JUPITER, Fla. -- The Orioles are scheduled to meet today with the agent for Arthur Rhodes to discuss parameters for a contract extension that the left-handed reliever says must either be completed before Opening Day or wait until he files for free agency after the season.

"I don't want it to distract from the season, so let's see if something can happen now," Rhodes said yesterday. "It would be nice to know where I stand."

The meeting is the first this spring between the club and a representative for any of its eight pending free agents. However, unlike 1998 when the Orioles entered the season with an industry-leading 14 potential free agents, Rhodes and starting pitcher Juan Guzman are believed the only likely candidates for multi-year deals.

Not counted among the number are shortstop Mike Bordick, third baseman Cal Ripken and starting pitcher Scott Kamieniecki, whose contracts include club options for next season.

Rhodes' agent, Danny Horowitz, intends to meet with general manager Frank Wren and possibly majority owner Peter Angelos before today's exhibition against Los Angeles. Angelos is expected to arrive in town today to attend a gathering of the team's investors.

"It's an opportunity for each party to get an idea where the other stands," said Horowitz. "We'd like to get an idea of the Orioles' level of interest, if they indeed have interest."

Rhodes, 29, is on the final year of a three-year contract that pays him a $2.2 million base salary. Drafted and developed by the Orioles, Rhodes owns 195 appearances in eight major-league seasons, including five spent primarily as a starter. He has won 23 games and saved six in 126 outings the last three seasons. All but two of the appearances have come in relief.

Previously it has been the Orioles who have shown a reluctance to negotiate during a season. Former general manager Pat Gillick refused to negotiate after Opening Day, a philosophy not embraced by Angelos. Two years ago the club signed No. 1 starting pitcher Mike Mussina to a three-year extension during the season and last year consented to a five-year, $32 million deal with No. 2 starter Scott Erickson and lesser deals with reliever Jesse Orosco, designated hitter Harold Baines and utility infielder Jeff Reboulet. Those deals were cut by Angelos.

Unlike Gillick, Wren does not have philosophical opposition to negotiating during a season. However, Rhodes insists he is opposed to a drawn-out process.

"I have no idea what they're thinking," Rhodes said. "I know I'd like to stay. I love Baltimore. But if something is going to happen, I want it to be sooner than later."

Rhodes reported to camp "in the best shape of my career" -- about 25 pounds lighter than last season when he struggled with various injuries and a vague role. Alleging overuse by manager Ray Miller, Rhodes labored to a 4-4 mark and 3.51 ERA in 77 innings covering 45 outings. He landed on the disabled list from July 5 to Aug. 17 with a strained left elbow and also experienced chronic knee stiffness. This spring he is 0-1 with a 9.53 ERA in five games, numbers he attributes to experimenting with a slider. The Orioles have been more encouraged by his capacity to participate in regular running drills, something that proved too painful last season.

"This is a very important year for a lot of reasons," Rhodes said. "I want to have a good season for myself and for this team and to pitch in the World Series. I think all of that's possible."

Rhodes insists a failure to reach agreement on an extension before Opening Day wouldn't preclude his return next season. "Nothing is going to change over a contract," he insisted. Unsaid, however, is that his asking price will escalate.

As a left-handed power reliever, Rhodes finds himself among a rare breed. The New York Mets retained veteran Dennis Cook with a three-year, $7 million package. Rhodes is certain to seek more.

"We hope to come to a suitable agreement for both sides," said Horowitz, who also represents Orioles reliever Mike Fetters. "But right now I don't know what the Orioles are looking for. I don't expect something to happen overnight, but I would certainly like to establish some parameters."

Wren also has spoken with Mussina about discussing his contract, which has been rendered obsolete in less than two years since he signed. The Orioles no longer adhere to a policy of limiting pitchers to three-year contracts and were willing to offer free agent Kevin Brown $11 million for each of five years last November. Mussina will receive a $6.825 million base this season.

Thus far the club has not spoken with Mussina's agent, Arn Tellem.

Pub Date: 3/20/99