Chicago, IL (My Sportsbook) - The New York Yankees have reportedly agreed to terms on a two-year contract with righthander Jon Lieber, who could miss the entire 2003 season while recovering from shoulder surgery. According to ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago, the Yankees have signed the former Cub pitcher to a two-year, $4 million deal with an $8 million club option for 2005. The report also stated that Lieber has already passed a physical, meaning the deal could become official as soon as Thursday. The Cubs announced in November that they would not exercise their option on Lieber for the 2003 campaign, making the 32-year-old a free agent. Lieber underwent reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in August and will miss at least the first half of next season. In 21 starts for the Cubs in 2002, Lieber posted a 6-8 record with three complete games and a 3.70 ERA. The veteran hurler owns a career mark of 86-83 with a 4.18 ERA. He spent the first five years of his career with Pittsburgh before joining the Cubs for the 1999 season. Lieber went 20-6 in 2001 and was a National League All-Star selection that year. |
