Reyes and Rockies argue case

NEW YORK (AP) _ Pitcher Dennys Reyes went to arbitration Monday with the Colorado Rockies, the team that acquired him from Cincinnati in December. <br><br>Reyes asked for a raise from dlrs 625,000 to dlrs

Tuesday, February 19th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

NEW YORK (AP) _ Pitcher Dennys Reyes went to arbitration Monday with the Colorado Rockies, the team that acquired him from Cincinnati in December.

Reyes asked for a raise from dlrs 625,000 to dlrs 900,000 during the hearing in Tampa, Florida, while the Rockies asked arbitrators I.B. Helburn, Jack Clarke, Matthew Finkin to award the 24-year-old left-hander dlrs 700,000. A decision is expected Tuesday or Wednesday.

Reyes was acquired by Colorado on Dec. 18 from Cincinnati along with second baseman Pokey Reese for reliever Gabe White and pitching prospect Luke Hudson. Reese was dealt to Boston the following day.

Splitting the season between Cincinnati and Triple-A, Reyes went 2-6 with a 4.92 ERA for the Reds last year and 4-2 with a 3.67 ERA for Louisville.

Owners have won the two arbitration cases decided thus far this year, defeating Tampa Bay pitcher Esteban Yan and Kansas City shortstop Neifi Perez.

Five players remain in arbitration: Boston pitcher Rolando Arrojo, Montreal infielder Orlando Cabrera, Minnesota outfielder Torii Hunter, Expos pitcher Carl Pavano and Cincinnati pitcher Scott Williamson.

Hearings are scheduled through Thursday.