Cleveland Indians sign pitcher Dwight Gooden

Jet, Dec 29, 1997

Pitcher Dwight Gooden, who has been a New York team baseball player for his 13 seasons in the majors, has moved to Cleveland.

Gooden, 33, who has spent his career thus far with the Yankees or the Mets, recently signed a two-year contract worth a guaranteed $5.675 million with the Indians.

The deal includes a signing bonus of $100,000 and about $2.6 million in salary in each of the next two seasons. Cleveland has a $3 milion option for 2000 and must pay a $400,000 buyout it it's not exercised.

Gooden's signing was part of a whirlwind day in the Indians camp. The team brought back Kenny Lofton, who was traded to the Atlanta Braves late in the spring for Marquis Grisson and David Justice.

Lofton, 30, agreed to return for a three-year deal worth a reported $24 million. He will receive $7.5 million in each of the next three seasons, with the Indians holding an option for the year 2001 worth $8 million to $9 million.

Grissom, 30, was dealt to Milwaukee for three pitches.