Galarraga’s Hitting Impresses Maddux

Andres Galarraga decided Monday to accelerate his comeback schedule.

The Big Cat, sidelined all of last season while undergoing cancer treatment in his back, took batting practice on the main field for the first time in spring training.

Galarraga faced 33 pitches from two of the Braves’ best starters at Kissimmee, Fla., hitting one over the left-field wall against Greg Maddux and hitting several line drives against John Smoltz.

“Man, you ain’t sick,” Maddux told Galarraga.

During the first three days of camp, he practiced on a side field with minor-league coach Chino Cadahia. Galarraga was to continue that routine at least through Tuesday, but he decided it was time to face real pitching.

He couldn’t stop smiling after he left the batting cage.

“Believe me, I’m really happy,” Galarraga said. “When I got inside the cage against these guys, I didn’t expect to touch the ball. But I hit a couple of line drives.”

So far, there are no lingering effects from the cancer treatment.

“I don’t have to worry about my back,” Galarraga said. “I just have to concentrate on facing the pitchers, find my timing and get ready for opening day.”

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Six years after former owner Marge Schott suggested that “only fruits wear earrings,” the Cincinnati Reds have given permission for players to wear them during games.

Ken Griffey Jr., acquired Feb. 10 in a trade with Seattle, wears a small stud earring in his left lobe and had it on for his news conference Monday.

General Manager Jim Bowden said the decision to drop the ban was made before the club acquired Griffey from Seattle in a trade Feb. 10. Players will be allowed to wear studs that don’t hang below the lobe.

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The future will have to wait for New York Met Manager Bobby Valentine and General Manager Steve Phillips.

Owner Fred Wilpon said he planned to wait until the end of the season before talking about extending their contracts beyond this year.

“My expectations are this team will be a playoff team and my expectations are they go further than they did last year,” Wilpon said. “Certainly that’s my hope.”

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Baltimore Oriole Manager Mike Hargrove is considering the possibility of using Cal Ripken at first base.

First base would less of a strain than third base, which is something to consider given that Ripken is coming off back surgery and turns 40 in August.

“I don’t plan on playing Cal there regularly. I really haven’t talked to him about it,” Hargrove said. “But Cal’s a good enough athlete to carry that off without a hitch. That’s a kind of a bridge we’ll cross at some point in time.”

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Reliever Kerry Ligtenberg, who missed the 1999 season, agreed to a one-year, $275,000 contract with the Atlanta Braves. . . . Padre General Manager Kevin Towers agreed to a contract extension through the 2003 season.