Riske New Contract Avoids Arbitration

The Indians avoided going to arbitration with reliever David Riske by signing him to a new one-year contract late Tuesday. The right-hander will be paid $1,425,000 in 2005 -- a raise of about $420,000 over what he earned last season in Cleveland.

Riske, 28, bounced back from a poor April to have a solid 2004 season. He had a 7-3 record with five saves and a 3.72 ERA in a career-high 72 relief appearances.

Riske went 7-0 from May 29 through Aug. 25, the longest streak in the majors among relievers. Over his last 32 outings from July 22 through the end of season, his ERA was 2.03 in 31 innings pitched.

After going a perfect 7-for-7 in save situations at the end of the 2003 season, Riske assumed the closer's role last spring when veteran Bob Wickman had a setback in his rehab from surgery. Riske struggled early, however, and was replaced by others until Wickman returned in July. Riske thrived once again in his customary setup role -- the spot he figures to fill again this season.

Riske, a 56th-round pick by Cleveland in 1996, has a career record of 14-8 with a 3.68 ERA in 229 relief appearances.

The signing leaves the Indians with just two players eligible for arbitration -- starter Jake Westbrook and third baseman-outfielder Casey Blake.

Westbrook has asked for a raise from $1 million to $3.7 million and was offered $2.5 million. Blake is seeking a raise from $352,400 to $2.6 million. The Indians offered $2.15 million.

Negotiations will continue with both players and general manager Mark Shapiro has expressed confidence that he can get both signed before going to a hearing sometime next month.

DAVID RISKE'S MAJOR-LEAGUE CAREER:

Yr	Team	Age	W	L	SV	ERA	G	IP	H	BB	SO
99	Cleveland	22	1	1	0	8.36	12	14	20	6	16
01	Cleveland	24	2	0	1	1.98	26	27.1	20	18	29
02	Cleveland	25	2	2	1	5.26	51	51.1	49	35	65
03	Cleveland	26	2	2	8	2.29	68	74.2	52	20	82
04	Cleveland	27	7	3	5	3.72	72	77.1	69	41	79
	MLB Totals		14	8	15	3.68	229	244	210	120	270