PLUS SPORTS

Braves, Blauser Agree on 3-Year Deal Shortstop Jeff Blauser and theAtlanta Braves agreed today on a $10 million, three-year contractthat gives him the chance to earn about $1.5 million more inperformance bonuses. Blauser was to take a physical in Atlantatoday and then report to the Braves' spring training camp at WestPalm Beach, Fla. Blauser, who had a $3.75 million salary lastseason, made the All-Star team in 1993 when he hit .305 with 15 homeruns and 73 RBIs. Deal Likely to Pay Oates $10 Million Center Adam Oates and theBoston Bruins have agreed in principle on a 5-year contract thatwould pay him about $10 million. Harry Sinden, president andgeneral manager of the NHL club, met Tuesday with Brian Cook, thelawyer who represents Oates, to iron out final details. Thecontract would run through the 1998-99 season and would pay Oates aprorated $1.85 million for the current season; $1.95 million nextseason; $2.05 million for 1996-97; $2.15 million for 1997-98, and,depending on his production that season, the same amount for 1998-99.Oates, 32, said he will have surgery on a finger on his right handafter this season. He hurt the finger last May in a playoff gameagainst Montreal. Michigan Athletes Face Charges Three University of Michigan footballplayers and basketball player Willie Mitchell are expected to becharged with separate criminal offenses, authorities said. "Thethree football players have been suspended from the team and did notplay in the spring game last Saturday," athletic director JoeRoberson said. "Willie Mitchell is still with the team because hissituation is not nearly as clear at this time." Campus police wereinvestigating whether Mitchell stole a staff parking permit and drovewith a suspended license, the Detroit Free Press reported today. Thenewspaper cited a source familiar with both investigations.Mitchell won the 1994 Mr. Basketball award honoring the top highschool player in Michigan and is expected to contend for a startingposition at forward this fall. Neither Roberson nor Sgt. PhilScheel, an Ann Arbor police spokesman, would identify the footballplayers. But, Scheel said, "There will be three individualsarraigned this morning on credit card fraud charges." Scheel saidthe football players allegedly found a credit card at a party onMarch 31 and a day later used it to buy gas and make purchases at twostores in a mall. They were turned down at a third store becausethey couldn't produce proper identification, he said. Footballcoach Gary Moeller will decide the length of the suspensions,Roberson said.