Three-for-One Trade Sends Giants’ Williams to Indians

Concerned about their ability to re-sign free agent Albert Belle, the Cleveland Indians traded Wednesday for Matt Williams in what the San Francisco Giants say is the first move in a team makeover.

Williams, one of baseball’s top home run hitters, was obtained by the Indians for right-handed reliever Julian Tavarez and infielders Jeff Kent and Jose Vizcaino.

“I guess I’ve got mixed emotions. I’ve been a Giant my whole career. I’ve grown accustomed to being a Giant,” Williams said. “Often times it’s just part of the business. I respect the Giants for all that they’ve given to me. They gave me a lot of chances to succeed.”

Williams had 247 homers in 10 years as the Giants’ third baseman, including 38 in the strike-shortened 1994 season. But he has missed large portions of the last two seasons because of injuries.

The Indians have offered a long-term contract to Belle, who plans to visit the Florida Marlins next week. Cleveland General Manager John Hart said if players and owners agree on a new contract that includes a luxury tax on salaries--a longshot--the Indians might be unable to re-sign Belle.

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The New York Yankees are willing to trade high-priced first baseman Cecil Fielder, a baseball source said, and the Angels are believed to have some interest in the slugger. Angel General Manager Bill Bavasi, Yankee General Manager Bob Watson and several front-office officials from both teams met for about 20 minutes in Phoenix during baseball’s general managers’ meetings. Specific names for potential deals were not exchanged. . . . Pitcher Juan Guzman and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a $9.5-million, two-year contract. . . . Left-hander Jamie Moyer and the Seattle Mariners agreed to a $3.7-million, two-year contract.

Miscellany

Wright State put basketball Coach Ralph Underhill, 55, on paid leave pending investigation after he was charged with and pleaded innocent to petty theft for allegedly shoplifting vitamins from a department store.

Tim Duncan, the 6-foot-10 senior center from Wake Forest, heads the Associated Press All-American team, which also includes Utah forward Keith Van Horn, Cincinnati forward Danny Fortson, Kansas guard Jacque Vaughn and Stanford guard Brevin Knight.

In tennis, Marianne Werdel Witmeyer rallied to stage the first upset of the Advanta Championships at Philadelphia, defeating Anke Huber, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-1. . . . Defending champions Boris Becker and Monica Seles confirmed their entries for the Australian Open at Melbourne.

Nick Faldo shot a five-under-par 67 to take a one-stroke lead over Tom Lehman after 18 holes of the rain-delayed PGA Grand Slam of Golf at Poipu, Hawaii. Steve Jones finished with a 70 and Mark Brooks shot a 74.

Michael Johnson says he and Canada’s Donovan Bailey have signed to meet each other in a 150-meter race at the Skydome in Toronto on May 31. Johnson was the Olympic gold medalist in the 200 and 400 meters, and Bailey was the gold medalist in the 100 at Atlanta. Both runners set world records.

Former Dodger manager Tom Lasorda and the Amateur Athletic Foundation will be honored at the fifth annual First Lights of L.A. dinner and silent auction Nov. 23 at the MCI Center in downtown Los Angeles for their contributions to the youth of the city.