BASEBALL Dodgers, Cubs happy to swap

The Yankees reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract with Robin Ventura.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
CHICAGO -- The Los Angeles Dodgers got flexibility while the Chicago Cubs got versatility.
And both teams rid themselves of players who can probably use a fresh start somewhere else.
A day after reaching a tentative agreement, the Dodgers and Cubs completed a deal Wednesday that sends Todd Hundley to Los Angeles in exchange for Eric Karros, Mark Grudzielanek and $2 million. The Dodgers also get outfielder Chad Hermansen.
To finalize the deal, Karros had to waive his right to veto the trade and Grudzielanek agreed to restructure his contract.
"I think we both agreed this was something we were both excited about and both looking forward to," said Karros, who has spent his entire 11-year career in Los Angeles. "It really was a no-brainer, to be honest."
Karros is owed $8 million next year and his contract includes a 2004 club option for $9 million with a $1 million buyout. If he reaches 500 plate appearances next season, his 2004 salary would be guaranteed.
Grudzielanek was due to get $5.5 million next season, with a 2004 club option for $6 million with a $500,000 buyout.
Ventura signs
NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees reached a preliminary agreement on a $5 million, one-year contract with third baseman Robin Ventura.
Ventura, 35, must pass a physical for the deal to be finalized, a Yankees official said on the condition of anonymity.
Ventura hit .247 with 27 homers and 93 RBIs in his first season with the Yankees, who acquired him from the Mets in a trade last December. He'll be taking a cut from his 2002 salary of $8.25 million.
New York also must decide by Saturday whether to offer salary arbitration to six-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens, right-hander Ramiro Mendoza, outfielder John Vander Wal, backup infielders Ron Coomer and Alex Arias, and backup catcher Chris Widger.
Outfielder Chris Latham, who spent the entire season in the Mets' minor league system, signed a $400,000, one-year contract with the Yankees.
Phillies see ticket-sale surge
PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies have sold more than 1,000 season tickets since Jim Thome agreed to sign with Philadelphia.
Phillies sales director John Weber said he was besieged with calls from prospective buyers as early as 1 p.m. Monday, just after word got out that Thome agreed to his $85 million, six-year contract.
The Phillies kept their ticket office open an extra two hours to accommodate the surge in sales.
Philadelphia sold 240 new season-ticket packages Monday, 500 more Tuesday and 450 to 500 more Wednesday.
Usually, the team averages about 40 requests per day for season tickets this time of year, according to Weber.
Notes
Houston Astros right-hander Brad Lidge had surgery Wednesday to repair cartilage in his left knee. ... The Orioles hired Jim Beattie as executive vice president of baseball operations and Mike Flanagan as vice president of baseball operations. The former pitchers will fill the job commonly known as general manager, a post that most teams trust to only one man. Syd Thrift held the position last season. ... Randy St. Claire was hired as pitching coach of the Montreal Expos. ... Infielder-outfielder Chris Sexton signed a minor league contract with the Padres and was invited to spring training.