Indians Sign Villone

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

January 26, 1999 / 12:42 AM EST / CBS Sportsline

Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Ron Villone avoided arbitration Monday by signing a one-year contract with the club. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Villone split last season with Cleveland and Class AAA Buffalo, failing to gain a decision in 23 relief outings for the Indians. The lefthander had a lofty 6.00 ERA in 27 innings, surrendering 18 runs and 30 hits without getting a save. He also went on the disabled list for the first time in his career with a strained right oblique muscle.

The 29-year-old Villone was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in a five-player deal on December 8, 1997. He also has pitched for the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres and is 4-4 lifetime with three saves.