Hammond reportedly has 2-year Yankee deal

NEW YORK, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- The New York Yankees reportedly have filled a void in the bullpen by agreeing to a two-year contract with lefthander Chris Hammond.

The New York Daily News reported Monday that "the parameters have been worked out" on a deal worth $4.8 million.

The Yankees are in search of a lefthanded setup man after not offering arbitration to Mike Stanton. New York would instead use Hammond, who posted a major league-leading 0.95 ERA in 63 appearances for the Atlanta Braves last season. He became just the third pitcher since 1900 to post a sub-1.00 ERA while exceeding 70 innings.

The 37-year-old Hammond was out of baseball in 1999 and 2000, pitched in the minors in 2001 and had a 4.54 career ERA before his big performance last season. He had a 7-2 record last season.

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Copyright 2002 by United Press International.

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