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The New York Mets agreed to deals Friday with a pair of players eligible for salary arbitration, giving utilityman Joe McEwing a $1 million, two-year contract and outfielder Timo Perez an $850,000, one-year deal.
McEwing played seven positions for New York manager Art Howe last season -- all but pitcher and catcher.
``Joe can help
you in so many different ways,'' Mets general manager Jim Duquette said. ``His
versatility allows Art to have many different options throughout a game.''
McEwing, 31, hit. 241 last season with 11 doubles, one homer and 16 RBIs. He
has spent four seasons with the Mets.
He gets a $100,000 signing bonus and $400,000 next season. The Mets have a $700,000 option for 2005. If that's declined, McEwing gets a $500,000 player option.
Perez, 28, hit .269 with four homers and 42 RBIs in 346 at-bats. In addition to his base salary, he can make an additional $150,000: $25,000 each for 400, 450, 550, 600, 625 and 650 plate appearances.
Right-hander Scott Strickland in the only Mets player still facing the Saturday night deadline, when New York must decide whether to offer a 2004 contract.