Mussina Signs With Yankees

N E W  Y O R K, Nov. 30 -- Baseball’s most successful team is adding themost sought-after pitcher on the free-agent market.

Mike Mussina and the New York Yankees agreed today to an$88.5 million, six-year contract, The Associated Press learned.

The Yankees called a news conference but did not announce itssubject.

“Things look promising,” Mussina’s agent, Arn Tellem, saidearly today upon his arrival in New York, without commenting onthe substance of the talks.

Joins Stellar Pitching Staff

The sides then continued negotiations, agreeing on the finalterms, a source with knowledge of the talks said on condition ofanonymity.

Mussina was traveling from his home in Montoursville,Pa., to New York for the announcement, the source said.

Mussina, 32 on Dec. 8, joins a staff on the three-time defendingWorld Series champions that already includes Roger Clemens, OrlandoHernandez and Andy Pettitte.

With a $14.75 million average annual value, the deal makesMussina the second- or third-highest-paid pitcher in baseball,depending on how Clemens’ new contract is evaluated.

While Clemens and his agents consider his $30.9 millionextension a two-year deal that averages $15.45 million, the Yankeessay its a three-year contract that averages $10.3 million.

Mussina also trails Kevin Brown of Los Angeles, who averages $15million under a $105 million, seven-year contract.

Led the American League

The only position players with higher average salaries areToronto outfielder Carlos Delgado ($17 million) and Atlanta thirdbaseman Chipper Jones ($15 million).

Mussina is 147-81 in his career after going 11-15 with a 3.79ERA for the Orioles last season. He led the American League ininnings pitched with 237 2-3 and was third in strikeouts with 210,trailing Boston’s Pedro Martinez (284) and Cleveland’s BartoloColon (212).

Mussina also was third in ERA, trailing Martinez (1.74) andClemens (3.70).

Yankees owner George Steinbrenner and director of baseballoperations Mark Newman monitored the talks by conference call fromthe Yankees’ minor league facility in Tampa, Fla.