Indians Sign Kamieniecki

December 2, 1999 / 6:20 PM EST / CBS/AP

A day after losing Mike Jackson, the Cleveland Indians restocked their bullpen a bit by agreeing to a two-year contract with Scott Kamieniecki, a deal worth about $3.8 million.

Cleveland has an option for 2002 that, if exercised, would make the deal worth about $5.5 million.

Kamieniecki, a 35-year-old right-hander, was 2-4 with a 4.95 ERA and two saves last season in 43 appearances with the Baltimore Orioles.

Kamieniecki, whose home is in Goodrich, Mich., said chose the Indians because that are close to home and he can play for a contender.

"I know around baseball they are respected," he said. "With the runs they put up, they are a very dangerous team."

Kamieniecki has started and relieved, but Indians general manager John Hart said he will pitch solely out of the bullpen.

"At this point at my career, being able to fill a role is well suited for me," Kamieniecki said. "When you come into a ballgame like I did last year, the situation dictates you have to get that first guy out. You have to throw strikes. I stayed sharper. That goes hand in hand with pitching maybe three times a week."

Kamieniecki has a 50-55 career record with a 4.45 ERA.

"He will add depth to the middle part of our bullpen, which is currently an area of need for the 2000 club," Hart said.

Philadelphia signed Jackson to a $3 million, one-year contract Wednesday, but with performance bonuses and possible extensions he could get $14.25 million over three years.

Jackson had 39 saves in 43 chances last season the third-highest percentage in the American League. He was 3-4 with a 4.06 ERA in 72 games.

The Jackson signing left the Indians without a proven closer.

Paul Shuey or Steve Karsay, who were Cleveland's setup men last year, may be tried as closers next season.