SIDELINES : Draft Picks in Line for Golden Spikes

TRENTON, N.J. — Four first-round picks in this year’s major league baseball draft, including pitcher Ben McDonald of the Baltimore Orioles, are among nine finalists for the 1989 Golden Spikes Award as the nation’s top amateur player, the United States Baseball Federation said today.

McDonald, who played college ball at Louisiana State, was the first selection overall in the draft. The other first-rounders are outfielder Scott Bryant of Texas, drafted by Cincinnati; outfielder Tom Goodwin of Fresno State, by Los Angeles, and catcher Alan Zinter of Arizona, by the New York Mets.

Also among the finalists are third baseman John Byington of Texas A&M;, pitcher Alex Fernandez of Miami, Fla., outfielder Dan Peltier of Notre Dame, and catchers Eric Wedge of Wichita State and Dan Wilson of Minnesota.

The winner will be announced on Nov. 9 at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York.