IN BRIEF : Assenmacher, Braves at Odds

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Relief pitcher Paul Assenmacher is unhappy with the terms offered him by the Atlanta Braves, and he says he will not play in any exhibition games until he is under contract. Assenmacher, one of two players still unsigned by the Braves, said Sunday that his refusal to pitch is a matter of principle.

“I’m not happy right now,” he said. “I don’t know; maybe something can be worked out.”

General Manager Bobby Cox noted, however, that the Braves can automatically renew Assenmacher’s contract as of Wednesday because he is five days short of the three-year tenure needed to seek arbitration. Major league baseball clubs may renew contracts from March 1 through 11.