MLB Notes: Yanks ready to go to Wells

Ronald Blum

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

John Wetteland followed Jimmy Key and Jim Leyritz by leaving the New York Yankees for Texas, less than two months after their World Series win.

David Wells, however, was on the verge of completing a $13.5 million, three-year deal with the Yankees, with an option for 2000.

Baltimore, which signed Key, added another pitcher Monday, agreeing to a $760,000, one-year contract with Shawn Boskie. Boskie, 29, was 12-11 with a 5.32 ERA in 28 starts and nine relief appearances for the California Angels.

Kansas City, spending at a far lower level, agreed to a minor-league contract with third baseman Scott Cooper, an AL all-star for Boston in 1993 and 1994. Cooper, who hit .243 with seven homers and 27 RBIs last season with the Seibu Lions of Japan's Pacific League, would get a $350,000, one-year contract if he makes the teams.

Royals right-hander Bob Scanlan, who was eligible for salary arbitration, agreed to a one-year contract that will pay him at a rate of a $300,000 in the majors -- matching his 1996 salary -- and $150,000 in the minors.

San Francisco left-hander Jim Poole, also eligible for arbitration, agreed to a $1.8 million, two-year contract. Poole, who made $500,000 last season, gets $800,000 in 1997 and $1 million the following year.

Infielder Mark Lewis, acquired by San Francisco from Detroit for infielder Jesus Ibarra, agreed to a $1.6 million, one-year contract. up from $670,000 last season.

Also, Cleveland acquired outfielder Trenidad Hubbard from the Giants for right-hander Joe Roa to complete the Nov. 13 Matt Williams trade. And St. Louis dealt right-hander Cory Bailey to the Rangers for right-hander David Chavarria and a player to be named.

Outfielder Lou Frazier and Seattle agreed to a $200,000, one-year contract.

The Rangers' deal with Wetteland, the first reliever with four saves in one World Series, gives him the fifth-highest average salary among pitchers with contracts for next season. Texas was looking to improve its bullpen, which in 1996 had a major league-high 11 losses after leading with three outs to play, and 16 blown saves.

"I'm aware of those problems they had last year, and, yes, I'm excited to see if I can make some kind of a difference," said Wetteland, who will average $5.75 million. "But I'm not going to tell you I'm the big, important piece that's missing. I don't view it that way at all. I'm just looking forward to the opportunity to getting a lot of work, and I think I'm going to get that here."

His departure follows that of Key and Leyritz, the backup catcher who hit a game-tying, three-run homer in Game 4 of the World Series.

Mariano Rivera will take over as the Yankees' closer. To fill Key's spot, New York will go with Wells, 10-1 at Yankee Stadium in his career.

"There are a few tax issues I have to review with our tax counsel to make sure we're structuring this in the best way to protect David," said the pitcher's agent, Gregg Clifton, who expected to complete the contract today.