Jerry Kapstein

Linda Smith, wife of Jerry Kapstein, chief executive of the San Diego Padres, has filed for divorce. Smith is the daughter of Padre owner Joan Kroc. Kapstein has relinquished his front-office duties.

Linda Smith, wife of Jerry Kapstein, chief executive of the San Diego Padres, has filed for divorce. Smith is the daughter of Padre owner Joan Kroc. Kapstein has relinquished his front-office duties.

Saying he sensed an aloofness in the approach of Dodgers' Executive Vice President Fred Claire and a lack of real respect, free-agent second baseman Steve Sax yielded to the aggressive pursuit of the New York Yankees and signed a 3-year, $4-million contract Wednesday night. Sax, who was paid $800,000 in 1988, will receive a $500,000 signing bonus, a $1.1-million salary in 1989, a $900,000 salary in 1990 when there is the threat of a labor strike and a $1.5-million salary in 1991.

Saying he sensed an aloofness in the approach of Dodgers' Executive Vice President Fred Claire and a lack of real respect, free-agent second baseman Steve Sax yielded to the aggressive pursuit of the New York Yankees and signed a 3-year, $4-million contract Wednesday night. Sax, who was paid $800,000 in 1988, will receive a $500,000 signing bonus, a $1.1-million salary in 1989, a $900,000 salary in 1990 when there is the threat of a labor strike and a $1.5-million salary in 1991.

Agents for Dodger outfielder Mike Marshall, who was involved in a fight with teammate Phil Garner Wednesday night, talked with Dodger Vice President Fred Claire Thursday in an attempt to smooth the situation. Jerry Kapstein and Bob Teaff told Claire that Marshall, who will get off the disabled list Saturday, wants to remain with the Dodgers. "They were open and positive discussions," Teaff said.

Agent Jerry Kapstein, son-in-law of San Diego Padres owner Joan Kroc, said Tuesday that he had recently talked with prospective purchasers of the baseball team. Kapstein declined to comment on a possible sale price, but did confirm the club is for sale. Kroc has owned the Padres since the death of her husband, Ray Kroc, in January, 1984. Kroc said she would not consider any bid that would move the Padres.