Tribe Sign Spradlin For $1.7M

Jerry Spradlin, acquired in a trade with Philadelphia last month to strengthen the Cleveland Indians' bullpen, agreed Wednesday to a $1.7 million, two-year contract.

Spradlin, who went 4-4 last season for the Phillies, came to Cleveland in a Nov. 13 deal for starter Chad Ogea. He had one save and a 3.53 ERA in a team-high 69 appearances for the Phillies last year.

"One of our off-season goals was to solidify our bullpen, both for the 1999 season and for the future," Indians general manager John Hart said. "Jerry Spradlin is going to be a big part of our success next year and in the future."

Spradlin gets a $125,000 signing bonus, $625,000 next year and $900,000 in 2000. Cleveland has a $1.1 million option for 2001 with a $50,000 buyout.

The Indians, who remain longshots to acquire Roger Clemens from Toronto, also added left-hander Ricardo Rincon to their bullpen this off-season, obtaining him from Pittsburgh for outfielder Brian Giles.

© 1998 SportsLine USA, Inc. All rights reserved