31.   The Astros yesterday purchased the contract of right-hander Brian Williams and sent right-hander Dean Crow outright to Triple-A New Orleans.

32.   The Cleveland Indians purchased the contract of catcher Sean Mulligan from the San Diego Padres, the team said.

33.   The club also purchased the contract of left-hander Jeff Williams.

34.   The Cincinnati Reds recalled third baseman Terry Pendleton from Triple-A Indianapolis and purchased the contract of catcher Joe Oliver.

35.   The company provides help for computer users who purchase service contracts when they buy machines from vendors such as International Business Machines Corp.

36.   The Detroit Tigers purchased the contract of pitcher Tim Pugh from their Triple-A Toledo affiliate.

37.   The Dodgers optioned Williams to Triple-A Las Vegas after the game and purchased the contract of right-hander Dennis Springer.

38.   The Dodgers purchased the contract of catcher Brian Johnson from Triple-A Las Vegas.

39.   The Dodgers purchased the contract of Eric Anthony from Triple-A Albuquerque to replace Butler.

40.   The man who purchased his contract, the former Kings owner Bruce McNall, is headed to jail for financial fraud unrelated to Gretzky.