Drafted by Cleveland in the 56th round in 1996 out of Green River Community College near Seattle ... Struck out 90 and allowed only 58 hits in 72 innings with a 2.25 ERA in 38 games in 1997 at Class A Kinston ... Had 33 saves and a 2.33 ERA at Kinston in 1998 to earn a promotion to AA Akron ... Made major-league debut 8/14/99 vs. Baltimore, pitching a scoreless ninth inning and striking out Albert Belle ... Got first big-league win in hometown of Seattle 8/22/99, pitching 1 2-3 hitless innings ... Spent most of 2000 on the disabled list and had surgery for both a bulging disc in his back and a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Made only career start at Akron, pitching one inning on a rehab assignment.

Began 2001 season at Class AAA Buffalo, then went 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA and one save in 26 games with Indians. Got first ML career save 8/22/01 at Oakland ... Struggled in 2002 with a lower back injury and right groin strain, again going on the DL ... Had a fine 2003 season, going 2-2 with a 2.29 ERA and eight saves in 68 games.