Sirotka Angry at White Sox GM Williams

Mike Sirotka joined the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday, angry that Chicago White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams jokingly referred to his injury situation as “Shouldergate.”

The left-hander was acquired from the White Sox on Jan. 14 in the six-player trade that sent David Wells to Chicago. He is unsure when or if he will pitch this year.

“I would really expect a little more respect on the matter from Kenny,” Sirotka said. “He doesn’t have to deal with the injury. He knows as a player, especially from a pitcher’s standpoint, that an injury to your throwing arm is in some way a threat to your career. I didn’t really appreciate that comment. But it’s really turned into a bit of a mess, anyway.”

Toronto said it was unaware he had a torn rotator cuff and labrum, and the Blue Jays intend to ask the commissioner’s office for additional compensation.

*

Oakland Athletics’ Manager Art Howe agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2002 season. . . . For the second time, prosecutors said they will not file criminal charges against New York Met reliever Armando Benitez, accused by his former girlfriend of attacking her. . . . Montreal Expo right-hander Javier Vazquez lost his salary arbitration case and will get $2 million this year rather than $2.85 million. . . . The New York Yankees signed outfielder Henry Rodriguez to a $1.5 million contract. . . . Right-hander Brian Meadows and the Kansas City Royals agreed to a $1.9 million, one-year contract. . . . The Tampa Bay Devil Rays and right-hander Bryan Rekar agreed to a $1.4 million, one-year contract. . . . Right-hander Bobby J. Jones and the San Diego Padres finalized their $625,000, one-year contract.