Texas’ Search Stops With Wetteland
After the playoffs, when John Wetteland and the New York Yankees showed Texas the importance of a dominant closer, the Rangers made getting one their top off-season priority.
Instead of trying to find a Wetteland-like player, the Rangers got Wetteland himself, agreeing Monday to a $23 million, four-year contract that makes the World Series MVP the highest-paid reliever ever.
“I’m aware of those problems they had last year, and, yes, I’m excited to see if I can make some kind of a difference,” said Wetteland, who becomes the fifth-highest-paid pitcher in baseball.
Wetteland’s deal includes a $1 million signing bonus and $1 million in severance pay after his career. He’ll make $4 million next season, $5.25 million in ‘98, $5.75 million in ‘99 and $6 million in 2000.
Giants, S.F. agree on lease
The Giants and San Francisco agreed to a preliminary 25-year lease on the site of the team’s new ballpark, scheduled to open for the 2000 season. The Giants will pay the city $1.2 million a year and have committed at least 23 years to play at the privately-funded stadium.
Notable
Pitcher Jim Poole re-signed with the Giants, agreeing to a two-year contract, and infielder Mark Lewis agreed to a oneyear deal after Detroit dealt him to the Giants for a minor-leaguer.
The Giants completed the Matt Williams trade with the Indians by sending outfielder Trenidad Hubbar to Cleveland and receiving a minor-leaguer.
Nov. 13, the Indians sent infielders Jose Vizcaino and Jeff Kent, plus right-hander Julian Tavarez to the Giants.
Right-hander Shawn Boskie, who went 12-11 for California last season, got a one-year contract with Baltimore.
The St. Louis Cardinals traded reliever Cory Bailey to the Texas Rangers for a minor-leaguer and a player to be named later. Bailey, 25, was 5-2 with a 3.00 earned run average for St. Louis last season.
Third baseman Scott Cooper, an A.L. all-star for Boston in 1993 and 1994, who played in Japan last season, agreed to a minor-league contract with the Kansas City Royals. Kansas City also re-signed pitcher Bob Scanlan to a one-year deal.
Outfielder Lou Frazier and Seattle agreed to a $200,000, one-year contract.