Maddux gets record 1-year pact

ATLANTA -- Greg Maddux is used to setting records. On Monday, he claimed another.

The four-time Cy Young Award winner avoided an arbitration hearing by agreeing to the largest one-year contract in baseball history, a $14.75 million deal with the Atlanta Braves.

The previous record for a one-year contract was pitcher David Cone's $12 million deal with the New York Yankees in 2000.

Maddux became a free agent after winning 16 games last season, but failed to draw much interest in the open market. He accepted the Braves' offer of arbitration in December, binding him to the team for the 2003 season.

Maddux had asked for $16 million and the Braves countered with an offer of $13.5 million.

Maddux, who will be 37 shortly after opening day, went 16-6 with a 2.62 ERA last season. He tied Cy Young as the only pitchers in baseball history to win at least 15 games in 15 consecutive seasons.

Sosa to report on time

MESA, Ariz. -- The Sammy Sosa watch is over.

The Chicago Cubs right fielder, historically late for spring training, told manager Dusty Baker he would arrive at camp on time this year. Sosa was expected to fly into Phoenix on Tuesday, the day position players are due to report, Baker said Monday.

For the past several years, Sosa has made a habit of arriving from his home in the Dominican Republic several days after his teammates reported. Although never technically late for spring training, Sosa's absence was always noticed.

Sosa, 34, attributed his tardy arrival to superstition and a fondness for the same routine.

Williams signs contract

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. -- John Henry Williams, the son of baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams, signed Monday with the Schaumburg Flyers of the independent Northern League.

Williams, 33, played briefly for the Boston Red Sox's lowest-level minor league team last summer after the club said it was willing to give him a chance out of respect for his father.

Williams is better known for his controversial relationship with his father, who played 19 years for the Red Sox and is the last major leaguer to bat above .400.

Shortly after Ted Williams' death on July 5, John Henry Williams had his father's body moved to the Alcor Life Extension Foundation in Arizona, where it remains frozen.

-- From wire reports