lawrencefrank
01-24-2005, 09:31 PM
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Jake Westbrook, nearly an afterthought before emerging as Cleveland's most consistent starter last season, agreed to a two-year contract with the Indians on Monday and avoided salary arbitration.
Westbrook, who made $1 million in 2004, asked for $3.7 million in arbitration and was offered $2.5 million by the club. His agreement with the Indians includes a team option for 2007.
While C.C. Sabathia struggled and youngsters Cliff Lee and Jason Davis had ERAs over 5.00, Westbrook went 14-9 with a 3.38 ERA in 30 starts and was selected an AL All-Star in his first full season in the big leagues. He also had five complete games, tying for the league lead.
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Cleveland never expected that type of season from the 27-year-old Westbrook, who went to spring training trying to win a spot in the starting rotation. He began the year as the club's long reliever before becoming a starter at the end of April.
In his first start of '04, Westbrook pitched a career-high nine innings and beat the Detroit Tigers 3-2. On June 14, he pitched a four-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles for his first career shutout.
He went 0-3 over a span of six starts from June 19 to July 15, but bounced back by winning five straight starts.
With Westbrook, Sabathia, Lee and newly signed Kevin Millwood, the Indians think they have a starting nucleus capable of keeping them in contention for a playoff berth.
Westbrook joined the Indians in 2000 in a trade from the New York Yankees. He is 26-28 with a 4.37 ERA in 64 career starts.
Westbrook, who made $1 million in 2004, asked for $3.7 million in arbitration and was offered $2.5 million by the club. His agreement with the Indians includes a team option for 2007.
While C.C. Sabathia struggled and youngsters Cliff Lee and Jason Davis had ERAs over 5.00, Westbrook went 14-9 with a 3.38 ERA in 30 starts and was selected an AL All-Star in his first full season in the big leagues. He also had five complete games, tying for the league lead.
ADVERTISEMENT
Cleveland never expected that type of season from the 27-year-old Westbrook, who went to spring training trying to win a spot in the starting rotation. He began the year as the club's long reliever before becoming a starter at the end of April.
In his first start of '04, Westbrook pitched a career-high nine innings and beat the Detroit Tigers 3-2. On June 14, he pitched a four-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles for his first career shutout.
He went 0-3 over a span of six starts from June 19 to July 15, but bounced back by winning five straight starts.
With Westbrook, Sabathia, Lee and newly signed Kevin Millwood, the Indians think they have a starting nucleus capable of keeping them in contention for a playoff berth.
Westbrook joined the Indians in 2000 in a trade from the New York Yankees. He is 26-28 with a 4.37 ERA in 64 career starts.