SARASOTA, Fla., Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Just 36 hours away from having his salary determined by a panel of arbitrators, Cincinnati Reds reliever Scott Williamson agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract.
The 26-year-old righthander, who can start or relieve, was slated to have his hearing Thursday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but Williamson was seeking $600,000 while the club countered with $400,000 -- the same salary he made last season.
Last season was a lost one for Williamson, who suffered an elbow injury and was limited to just two appearances. But when healthy, Williamson is among the more dynamic pitchers in the game.
The 1999 National League Rookie of the Year and an All-Star the
same season, Williamson has a career record of 17-15 with a 2.88 ERA in 112 games -- including 10 starts.
The Reds avoided arbitration with all seven of their eligible players this year and have had just six cases go to a decision over the last four years.
