PITTSBURGH -- Right-handed reliever Scott Strickland,
limited to five games in two seasons after reconstructive elbow
surgery, agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Pirates on a minor
league contract.
Strickland, who has pitched for the Astros, Mets and Expos,
would get a $650,000, one-year contract if he is added to the major
league roster. He also can earn as much as $150,000 in performance
bonuses.
Strickland chose to become a free agent after not making the
Mets' roster last spring and later signed a minor league deal with
Houston. He had a 6.75 ERA in five games with the Astros, but
became a free agent again after refusing a minor league assignment
once the season ended.
The 29-year-old Strickland appeared in 77 games with Montreal in
2001 and 69 games with the Mets and Expos in 2002. He has a career
record of 12-21 with a 3.34 ERA in 236 games.
Strickland was troubled by elbow discomfort after initially
signing with the Astros and was held out of games, but later joined
Triple-A Round Rock before pitching briefly for the Astros.