2 Astro Minor-Leaguers Investigated

HOUSTON - Major-league baseball security officers are probing the backgrounds of two Houston Astros minor-league players, one of whom has the same last name as a man implicated in a 1992 gambling case in St. Louis.

The background checks are being run on J.P. Simone and Joe Spinello, who have been in camp for about five weeks.

"We have been made aware that major league baseball's security people have some questions," Astro General Manager Bob Watson said. "We are continuing to evaluate these players on their ability as baseball players only."

CONCEALED WEAPON

Spinello, a 22-year-old catcher, was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon in October. The charge was dismissed after he attended a diversion class.

Simone, a 22-year-old pitcher, has the same last name and hometown of a man who pleaded guilty to possessing gambling records in St. Louis in 1992.

Kevin Hallinan, director of MLB security, declined to comment Friday.

Pete Simone, a convicted bookmaker, has a son named Joseph P. Simone, who pitched for Saint Louis University during 1990-91 and gained notoriety for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury about bookmaking in 1991.

The Astros pitcher, who is from Kansas City, said he pitched for the Billikens during 1990-91, but insists he is not the man in question.

"My record is as clean as a bone," Simone said.

Asked if he had ever been arrested, Simone replied: "I wouldn't say that, but I've never served any time. I've never been in prison or anything like that."

`I WORK SECURITY'

Spinello said he had a permit to carry a gun for protection when he was stopped by police in Kansas City. The pistol was on the front seat of his truck.

"I had to (carry it) for the job I did in the off-season," he said. "It wasn't like I was trying to kill somebody. In Missouri, a concealed weapon is anything that is not on the dashboard.

"I told the officer that it was there, and he said, `We still have to make a report.' But I was never convicted of anything. . . . I work security, and I have a permit to carry a gun. I'd like to get it cleared up."

The two players aren't likely to make the replacement team. Spinello, who started Friday night against Detroit, was hitless in three games. Simone has a 9.00 ERA, and opposing batters have hit .400 against the right-hander.