Indians Sign Ex-M’S Reliever Mike Jackson
The Cleveland Indians signed right-handed reliever Mike Jackson and catcher Pat Borders on Friday and decided to take a chance on the often-injured Kevin Mitchell.
After bowing out of the bidding war for Roger Clemens, the Indians bolstered an already strong bullpen by signing Jackson to a $4.2 million, two-year contract with an option for 1999.
Jackson will join a crowded bullpen that already includes Jose Mesa, Paul Shuey, Eric Plunk and Paul Assenmacher. Jackson was 1-1 with Seattle last season with a 3.63 ERA and six saves in 73 appearances. He gave up 61 hits and 24 walks and struck out 70.
His career record is 47-51 with a 3.33 ERA and 44 saves.
“We felt that without acquiring a No. 1 starter, we could help ourselves by bringing in the most outstanding pitcher out there on the market and make an already strong bullpen even stronger,” general manager John Hart said.
The Indians are still looking to trade for a second baseman, Hart said.
Mitchell began the season with Boston, was missing-inaction by midseason due to injuries and was traded to Cincinnati. The Reds suspended the slugger in September for the rest of the season because he failed to show up for a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Borders, who hit .277 in 76 games for the White Sox last season, also signed a minor league contract and will be invited to spring training. He will get a chance to back up starting catcher Sandy Alomar.
Jackson will get $2 million in each of the next two seasons. Cleveland has an option for 1999 at $2 million but must pay $200,000 if it’s not exercised.
Royals get King, Bell
The Kansas City Royals acquired Jeff King and Jay Bell from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a six-player trade by last-place teams.
The salary-dumping Pirates, who have acquired 17 players while dealing away five everyday players since early August, get starting third baseman Joe Randa, plus pitching prospects Jeff Granger, Jeff Martin and Jeff Wallace.
By dealing off King, Bell, left-hander Denny Neagle, Carlos Garcia, Orlando Merced, Dan Plesac, Charlie Hayes and Danny Darwin the last 4 months, the Pirates’ payroll is down to $10 million.
Bell and King were the last remaining regulars from the teams that won three N.L. East titles from 1990-92.
Notes
Pitcher Kevin Tapani, who played for the crosstown White Sox last season, became the fourth free agent to join the Chicago Cubs this month, reaching agreement on an $11 million, three-year contract. … The Atlanta Braves acquired left-handed pitcher Yorkis Perez from the Florida Marlins for minor-league right-hander Martin Sanchez. Perez, 29, was 3-4 with a 5.29 ERA in 64 games for the Marlins last season. … The Texas Rangers agreed to a two-year contract with free-agent pitcher Xavier Hernandez, who spent last season with Houston and Cincinnati. … It’s official: The Atlanta Braves’ new stadium will be named “Turner Field,” in honor of longtime owner and media magnate Ted Turner.