Expos Sign Guerrero To New Deal

The Montreal Expos signed outfielder Vladimir Guerrero to a five-year contract Tuesday, dramatically ending a pattern of unloading star players and demonstrating a commitment that they hope will keep the team north of the border.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The 22-year-old Guerrero is one of baseball's emerging stars, batting .328 with 35 homers and 100 RBI, and has hit 21 homers and drove in 55 runs since the All-Star break. He is currently second in the National League with 56 multi-hit games, third in total bases (323) and fourth in hits with 176.

The financially-strapped Expos traditionally have not retained or traded star-quality players on the verge of making big money, a list that includes Pedro Martinez, Larry Walker, Moises Alou, John Wetteland, Ken Hill, Marquis Grissom, Jeff Fassero, Carlos Perez and Mark Grudzielanek.

In signing Guerrero, the Expos have secured the services of a player that was not eligible for arbitration until after the 1999 season or for free agency until after the 2002 campaign.

Expos management is currently trying to secure funding for Labatt Park, a new stadium in downtown Montreal.

"The Montreal Expos are extremely happy that we can make this announcement today," said general manager Jim Beattie. "Thi signing is another demonstration of our ownership's commitment to fielding a championship club when we move to Labatt Park in 2001."

If funding for a new stadium is not obtained, there is speculation that the team could relocate somewhere in the United States, with Northen Virginia listed as the leading candidate.

Guerrero is currently in his second full season with the Expos after making his major league debut in 1996. He batted .302 with 11 home runs and 40 RBI in 90 games last year. In parts of three seasons in the majors, Guerrero is batting .314 with 47 homers and 141 RBI in 2356 games.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Guerrero is just the fourth Expo that is signed to a multi-year contract, joining catcher Chris Widger, closer Ugueth Urbina and outfielder Rondell White.

Guerrero's older brother, Wilton, was acquired by the Expos from Los Angeles on July 31st.

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