BASEBALL Glavine wined, dined by Phillies

Matt Williams of the Diamondbacks must decide today whether to accept a trade to the Rockies.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK -- After a disappointing last-place season, the New York Mets are doing everything they can to finish first in the Tom Glavine sweepstakes.
Glavine, one of the most coveted free-agent pitchers on the market, visited New York and Philadelphia Thursday as the Mets and Phillies tried to persuade him to leave Atlanta, his team for 16 years.
"We had a super day," Mets general manager Steve Phillips said after spending about six hours with Glavine, his wife, Christine, and agent Gregg Clifton. "It was a very worthwhile meeting and a day I hope left him with a good taste about New York and the Mets and what the future could hold here for him."
Glavine then went to Philadelphia, where he took in an NHL game between the Flyers and the San Jose Sharks. Glavine is a big hockey fan and was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings out of high school.
He got a standing ovation from fans at the First Union Center when he was introduced in the first period.
Glavine planned to meet with Phillies officials Friday and take a tour of the site of the team's new ballpark, scheduled to open in 2004.
The Mets and Phillies have made three-year offers to the two-time NL Cy Young Award winner worth about $9 million to $10 million annually. The Braves, the only major league team he has played for, offered a two-year deal with an option for 2005 that could become guaranteed based on starts and innings.
Bell leaves without a deal
David Bell left Philadelphia without signing a contract Thursday, but the Phillies still are negotiating with the free-agent third baseman.
Bell hit .261 with 20 homers and 73 RBIs this season, helping the San Francisco Giants reach the World Series.
The Phillies reportedly have offered a three-year deal worth $13 million. Bell, who turned down a $3.5-million option from the Giants for next season, had been seeking closer to $5 million a season.
Williams won't make decision
TEMPE, Ariz. -- Matt Williams was to decide today whether to accept a trade to the Colorado Rockies.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have a deal in place that would send Williams and three other players to the Rockies for all-star outfielder Larry Walker.
However, Williams and Walker must waive no-trade clauses for the trade to go through.
The two players have until 4 p.m. today to reach their decision.
Wells attacker convicted
NEW YORK -- A man was convicted of assault Thursday for punching Yankees pitcher David Wells and knocking out two of his teeth during an early morning fight in a diner.
Rocco Graziosa was acquitted of two other charges after a weeklong trial in Manhattan Criminal Court. The jury deliberated less than three hours.
The 27-year-old Graziosa faces up to a year in jail when he is sentenced Jan. 15. He will remain free on $1,500 bail and was ordered to stay away from Wells.
Mud Hens hire Parrish
TOLEDO -- Former Detroit Tigers manager Larry Parrish was hired Thursday as manager of the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens. Parrish replaces Bruce Fields, who was promoted to hitting coach for the Tigers.