CHICAGI, Ill., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The Chicago Cubs continued to stockpile relievers Wednesday, signing lefthander Mark Guthrie to a one-year contract with a club option for 2004.
Financial terms were not disclosed, but reports indicated the deal is worth $1.6 million for 2003.
Joining righthander Dave Veres and southpaw Mike Remlinger as newcomers in a revamped Chicago bullpen, the 37-year-old Guthrie went 5-3 with one save and a 2.44 ERA in 68 games last season for the New York Mets. A situational lefty, Guthrie held opposing hitters to a .207 average while striking out 44 in 48 innings.
Making his return to the Cubs after spending parts of the 1999 and 2000 seasons with the club, Guthrie has also pitched for Minnesota, Los Angeles, Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto and Oakland during his 14-year career. He signed with the Twins out of Louisiana State University in 1987 and was a member of their 1991 world championship team.
A veteran of 700 career games, including 43 starts, Guthrie owns a 49-51 record with 14 saves and a 4.11 ERA.
With the addition to the acquisition of Guthrie, the Cubs continue to be one of baseball's busiest teams this offseason. After hiring Dusty Baker as manager, Chicago has signed pitchers Veres, Remlinger, Shawn Estes and Rod Beck, infielders Lenny Harris and Ramon Martinez and outfielder Troy O'Leary while acquiring infielders Eric Karros and Mark Grudzielanek and catchers Damian Miller and Paul Bako in trades.
