The pitching-rich New York Yankees once again have eight starting pitchers.

Injured right-hander Jon Lieber's $3.5 million, two-year contract was announced Friday by the team, which is counting on him to be part of its rotation for 2004.

 

Lieber, who turns 33 in April, had a ligament in his right elbow replaced in August, an operation that usually has a recovery time of about one year. The former All-Star has spent his major league career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs.

 

``He's tremendously excited about the opportunity to pitch in meaningful games every time out, hopefully all year and in the playoffs,'' said Lieber's agent, Rex Gary. ``That was an important factor in the teams we were talking to.''

 

Lieber went 20-6 in 2001 for the Chicago Cubs and was selected for the NL All-Star team. He had a ligament in his right elbow replaced Aug. 7 after going 6-8 with a 3.70 ERA and three complete games in his fourth season with the Cubs.

 

Lieber could earn up to $16.75 million over three years - if he comes back earlier than expected and is added to the active roster by the start of May. Lieber is throwing balls about 150 feet and could be pitching off a mound by next month.

 

``He's ahead of what anybody had hoped at this point in time,'' Gary said. ``He's doing great. I'd say there's a good chance that he will be pitching this year.''

 

The deal, agreed to last week, calls for a $500,000 signing bonus, of which half is payable now and the rest in January 2004. He gets the $300,000 minimum this year, and the chance to earn $750,000 in bonuses based on roster time.

 

Lieber gets a $2.45 million salary in 2004 and the chance to earn $4.75 million in bonuses based on starts and innings. New York has an $8 million option for 2005 with a $250,000 buyout.

 

``One of the ideas behind this deal was that for John to know where he's going to be for, hopefully, three years,'' Gary said. ``So there's no need to rush back.''

 

New York manager Joe Torre already is wondering how to handle seven starting pitchers: Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte, David Wells, Jeff Weaver, Jose Contreras and Sterling Hitchcock. Clemens, Wells, Pettitte and Hitchcock are eligible for free agency after the season, and Clemens and Wells could retire.

 

With the signing, New York's payroll for 2003 increased to $149.2 million for 23 players likely to be on the opening-day roster or disabled list. In addition, second baseman Alfonso Soriano is likely to get a raise from his $630,000 salary last year.

 

His 2003 bonus package includes $250,000 for 30 days on the active roster, $150,000 each for 60 and 90 days, and $100,000 each for 120 and 150 days,

 

The following year, Lieber would get $250,000 for five starts, $325,000 more for 10, $375,000 for 17, $425,000 for 20, and $500,000 each for 24 and 28. He also would get $250,000 for 100 innings, $325,000 more for 120, $375,000 for 140, $425,000 for 160, and $500,000 each for 180 and 200.

I thought KW said he was going to make the play here.

 

What the hell do the Yankees need with him anyway?

I thought KW said he was going to make the play here.

 

What the hell do the Yankees need with him anyway?

8 starting pitchers in better then 7, you can't argue with that.

I thought KW said he was going to make the play here.

 

What the hell do the Yankees need with him anyway?

8 starting pitchers in better then 7, you can't argue with that.

if the yanks bought up the top 200 pitchers and paid them enormous amounts of money to do nothing then the rest of would suck

 

 

why i posted that i have no idea

I thought KW said he was going to make the play here.

 

What the hell do the Yankees need with him anyway?

8 starting pitchers in better then 7, you can't argue with that.

no u can not argue that i wish we had 8 sp to pick from

I thought KW said he was going to make the play here.

 

What the hell do the Yankees need with him anyway?

They supposedly talked, but KW decided that Leiber wanted too much money. Imagine that. It's like the Yanks got them a bargain if Leiber is even 75% as good as he has been.

I thought KW said he was going to make the play here.

 

What the hell do the Yankees need with him anyway?

They supposedly talked, but KW decided that Leiber wanted too much money. Imagine that. It's like the Yanks got them a bargain if Leiber is even 75% as good as he has been.

i would have passed on lieber too...he throws about 75% sliders...sliders are hard on the elbow..it could be a long recovery for lieber..if he ever does

Hmmmm ... you have a point.