Cardinals Sign Slocumb

November 23, 1999 / 8:15 PM EST / CBS/AP

The St. Louis Cardinals added another pitcher Tuesday, agreeing to a $3.45 million, two-year contract with free agent Heathcliff Slocumb.

Meanwhile, it was looking less likely that the Cardinals would sign free agent closer Mike Jackson, who took a physical Friday in St. Louis, which apparently revealed a problem.

The Cardinals were said to be offering Jackson a three-year contract for $12 million, but Jackson wants $15 million. Jackson, 34, had 39 saves for Cleveland this year.

Slocumb, 33, will earn $1.6 million next year and $1.85 million in 2001. If he's used as a closer next season, the second-year salary could increase to $2.15 million.

The St. Louis Cardinals gave Slocumb another chance in the major leagues in May, purchasing the reliever's contract from Triple-A Memphis. He finished the season 3-2 with a 3.77 ERA and two saves in 50 games.

Slocumb, a right-hander, began last season with Baltimore and had a 12.46 ERA in 10 appearances, covering 8 2-3 innings, before being released in mid-April. He has a career record of 26-33 with a 3.97 ERA and 97 saves in 483 games with the Chicago Cubs, the Philadelphia Phillies, the Boston Red Sox and the Seattle Mariners.

Slocumb had consecutive 30-save seasons in 1995 and '96 and had 27 saves in 1997.