Associated Press 18y

Erickson signs minor-league deal with Yankees

MLB, New York Yankees

TAMPA, Fla. -- Scott Erickson agreed Thursday to a minor league contract with the New York Yankees, giving the team another backup in case of pitching breakdowns.

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Erickson

The 38-year-old right-hander threw for 10 minutes off a mound Thursday at the minor league complex while manager Joe Torre watched along with coaches Ron Guidry and Joe Kerrigan and vice president Billy Connors. The Yankees gave Erickson the tryout at the suggestion of Jason Giambi.

"He threw the ball pretty well," Guidry said. "He said he's
been throwing since Thanksgiving."

Erickson was 1-4 with a 6.02 ERA in eight starts and 11 relief appearances last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who cut him
in late July. He also has pitched for Minnesota, Baltimore, the New
York Mets and Texas, going 142-136 with a 4.57 ERA in 14 seasons.

His deal calls for a $15,000 monthly salary at Triple-A and if added to the 40-man roster would get a $550,000, one-year contract.
He must pass a physical Friday for the deal to be finalized.

"We will need choices, you always do," general manager Brian
Cashman said. "It's somewhat of an insurance policy. He's also
prepared to go to Triple-A."

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