Tribe Re-Signs Mark Whiten

The Cleveland Indians Tuesday re-signed outfielder Mark Whiten to a one-year contract and refused salary arbitration on five veterans, including pitcher Doug Jones and second baseman Joey Cora.

Whiten,

"Mark played very well for us in a variety of roles this past season, and with the recent minor injuries suffered by Alex Ramirez and Jacob Cruz, he gives us insurance at all three outfield positions," said general manager John Hart.

The Indians felt they had enough insurance in the bullpen to deny arbitration to Jones and fellow reliever Jim Poole. The two are nine and five years older, respectively, than right-handed 31-year-old Jerry Spradlin and 27-year-old lefty Ricardo Rincon, who were acquired in a pair of off-season deals.

Like Jones, Cora had his contract option declined on Oct. 20. He was acquired Aug. 31 from Seattle to provide a spark during the stretch run and the playoffs, but was 1-for-17 in six postseason games. Cora, 33, also became dispensable with the recent signing of Roberto Alomar.

Once considered a player of All-Star caliber, the 32-year-old Whiten is in his second stint with Cleveland. He is a .260 career hitter with 104 homers and 418 RBI over seven major-league seasons with Cleveland, Toronto, St. Louis, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle and the New York Yankees.

"In re-signing Mark Whiten, the Indians are bringing back a veteran bat with power and a versatile outfielder who can be a contributor coming off the bench," Hart said.

Whiten, who once homered four times in a game, played with the Yankees in 1997 before being designated for assignment in August following his arrest on charges of sexual assault. The Milwaukee district attorney's office declined to prosecute the case.

On Sept. 12, 1993, while with the Cardinals, Whiten matched major-league records with four homers and 12 RBI in the second game of a doubleheader against Cincinnati.

Whiten began the 1998 season with the Chetumal Mayas of the Mexican League, where he hit .357 with three homers and 15 RBI in 34 games.

Cleveland also refused arbitration for catcher Pat Borders, 35, and infielder Jeff Branson, who will be 32 at the start of the season.

Any free agent not offered salary arbitration cannot re-sign with his previous club until May 1.

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