Carter volunteers to mediate labor dispute

Atlanta Former President Jimmy Carter would gladly help mediate the labor dispute between baseball players and owners. Carter, an avid fan who often attends Atlanta games, made a similar offer in the midst of the 71â2-month strike in 1994-95 that wiped out the World Series.

Owners and players ignored the offer, instead continuing to use former Labor Secretary W.J. Usery to mediate those talks, which failed to lead to an agreement. That strike didn’t end until a federal judge issued an injunction restoring the work rules from the previous deal, finding that owners had committed unfair labor practices.

Baseball is trying to replace the agreement that expired Nov. 7. Players are threatening baseball’s ninth work stoppage since 1972, fearing that if they don’t strike, owners will attempt to change work rules or lock them out after the postseason. Players are considering various strike dates.

Indians deal Finley to depleted Cardinals

Pittsburgh St. Louis, desperate for another starter since Darryl Kile’s death, acquired left-hander Chuck Finley from Cleveland on Friday for minor league first baseman Luis Garcia and a player to be named.

Because the Indians are picking up a share of the $4 million-plus still owed Finley in the last year of his $27 million, three-year contract, baseball’s approval would be required.

The deal is a gamble for the Cardinals, who lead Cincinnati by 21â2 games in the NL Central. Finley has a career record of 193-169, but he is only 4-11 this season. Finley also is dealing with the emotional baggage of a messy divorce case with actress Tawny Kitaen.

Rockies reliever fined

Denver Colorado reliever Todd Jones was fined $1,000 for throwing at Seattle’s Brett Boone two weeks ago. Jones said he plans to appeal the fine.