DODGERS UPDATE: DODGERS RENEW BELTRE'S CONTRACT SIDES REMAIN STUCK ON LONG-TERM DEAL.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

VERO BEACH, Fla. - After spending more than $290 million on free agents and contract extensions since the end of the 1998 season, the Dodgers apparently decided the stopping point is third baseman Adrian Beltre.

And the sticking point is $2 to $3 million.

Rather than put an end to the messy situation by signing Beltre to a multiyear deal, the Dodgers instead renewed his contract Saturday, the deadline imposed by Major League Baseball. As it stands, Beltre will make $330,000 this season, though the sides will continue to negotiate.

But neither side is ready to budge in their long-term contract requests. And because of that, the distraction that's existed for nearly five months will linger on.

``The date came up so we had to renew,'' Dodgers managing general partner and CEO Bob Daly said. ``We're still trying to figure out a method of coming up with a basis for a three-year deal. It really comes down to the arbitration year. Adrian, as good as we think he is, he still hasn't put up the numbers yet to figure out how to base that arbitration year. I think there's a method of figuring out how to do it, and that's what we're working on.

``The only thing I think Scott (Boras, Beltre's agent) and I totally agree upon is the caliber of the player we're dealing with.''

Boras and Daly will continue to talk despite passing their own soft deadline of the contract renewal day.

The Dodgers remain content with offering Beltre $4 to $5 million, baseball officials said. Boras remains fixed on $6 to $7 million, those officials said.

``Adrian is having a difficult time understanding why a club who says he's a superstar isn't willing to compensate him like one,'' Boras said. ``I'm disappointed the Dodgers would renew a player of his stature and I'm disappointed our continuing efforts to resolve the matter have not been successful.''

Every day the deal isn't done edges the Dodgers closer to a possible disaster in a situation that could deteriorate quickly. Beltre is seeking free agency because he was signed at age 15, which is against baseball rules. Baseball wants the issue settled before it reaches an arbitrator, and officials told both sides a hearing date isn't likely until late April or early May.

Given fan reaction, Beltre is expected to be booed when the club opens at Dodger Stadium, and the situation could worsen the longer the issue is unresolved.

Also, if the process reaches arbitration, the hearing would be conducted during the season. Beltre's family would also be brought into the equation, which could cause irreparable damages to the relationship between the two sides. Boras also talked about taking the matter to court, since the Dodgers knowingly altered official documents.

``If we can't do anything in the next seven to 10 days,'' Daly said, ``then we should cool it.''

Beltre, who expressed his anxiety about bringing an end to the situation, didn't want to talk about the issue. ``Play ball,'' he said. ``That's all I have to say. Play ball.''

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo: Unable to agree on a three-year deal, the Dodgers renewed Adrian Beltre's old contract Saturday, in effect leaving a sticky situation more sticky.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer