Texas Rangers

NEW YORK - In an attempt to fill holes in the rotation and infield for now and in the future, the Orioles traded reliever Koji Uehara and $2 million to the Texas Rangers on Saturday for first baseman Chris Davis and right-handed pitcherTommy Hunter. Later in the evening, the Orioles announced that they had traded first baseman Derrek Lee to the Pittisburgh Pirates for Single-A first baseman Aaron Baker. Uehara, 36, has developed into one of the best relievers in baseball this season, going 1-1 with a 1.72 ERA in 43 appearances.

ARLINGTON, Texas - Cal Ripken's farewell tour made a poignant stop yesterday within his own clubhouse. In the most novel and perhaps most compelling gesture Ripken has received from any of the four organizations that have feted him, the Texas Rangers retired the Iron Man's locker inside the visitors' clubhouse at The Ballpark in Arlington - an honor thought to be unprecedented in the game. Rangers players Ivan Rodriguez, Alex Rodriguez and Ripken's former teammate, Rafael Palmeiro, attended along with Rangers general manager Doug Melvin and former Orioles and Rangers manager Johnny Oates.

Baseball Philadelphia Phillies -- Agreed to terms with 2B/OF Randy Ready 1 HR, 26 RBI) on one-year contract for $600,000, a raise of $70,000. Ready had asked for $600,000 in arbitration and Phillies had offered $530,000.Texas Rangers -- Agreed to terms with P Gary Mielke (0-3, 3.7ERA) on one-year contract with Class AAA Oklahoma City.BasketballCharlotte Hornets -- Activated F Kenny Gattison from injured list.

BASEBALL American League BALTIMORE ORIOLES -- Claimed Pat Clements, pitcher, on waivers from the San Diego Padres.CALIFORNIA ANGELS -- Placed John Orton, catcher, on the 15-day disabled list. Recalled Ken Oberkfell, infielder, from Edmonton of the Pacific Coast League.MILWAUKEE BREWERS -- Placed Dave Nilsson, catcher, on 15-day disabled list. Recalled John Jaha, infielder, from Denver of the American Association.TEXAS RANGERS -- Fired Bobby Valentine, manager. Named Toby Harrah interim manager.

BaseballLos Angeles Dodgers -- Signed free-agent OF Chris Gwynn. Optioned IF Rafael Bournigal to Triple-A Albuquerque. Designated P Al Osuna for assignment.Oakland Athletics -- Placed 2B Brent Gates (sprained right thumb) on the 15-day DL. Recalled IF Fausto Cruz from Triple-A Tacoma.Texas Rangers -- Purchased the contract of P Rick Helling from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Optioned P Darren Oliver to Oklahoma City.HockeySan Jose Sharks -- Recalled C Kip Miller and D Michal Sykora from IHL Kansas City.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Before he started against the Texas Rangers last night, Orioles pitcher Bruce Chen guffawed at the Cheech and Chong cult film Up in Smoke in the team's clubhouse. Unfortunately for the good-natured left-hander, the movie title presaged the nature of his outing. more orioles Bullpen's faces change, but frustration remains as mix of kids, journeymen has AL's worst stats. PG 8F

Baseball Texas Rangers -- Signed P Floyd Bannister to a one-year contract. Placed P Scott Chiamparino on the 60-day DL. Purchased the contracts of P Steve Fireovid, P Wayne Rosenthal, OF John Cangelosi and former Orioles P Jeff Robinson from Triple-A Oklahoma City.BasketballMinnesota Timberwolves -- Signed G Doug West to a four-year contract extension through the 1995-96 season.Youngstown Pride (WBL) -- Named Bob Krizancic assistant coach.CollegesAlabama -- Named Danny Pearman Jr. offensive line coach.

Baseball Atlanta Braves -- Placed OF Tommy Gregg on 15-day disabled list. Activated OF Lonnie Smith from 15-day DL.New York Mets -- Named Dallas Green special assignment scout.San Diego Padres -- Placed P Greg Harris on 15-day DL, retroactive to April 23. Recalled P Derek Lilliquist from Class AAA Las Vegas.San Francisco Giants -- Sent P Trevor Wilson to Class AAA Phoenix. Assigned OF Rick Parker to Phoenix for injury rehabilitation.Texas Rangers -- Sent IF Gary Green and IF Denny Walling (0-for-7)