Dodgers Sign Ashby for $22.5M

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Andy Ashby to a $22.5 million, three-year contract Wednesday, a day after rescinding an offer to the free-agent right-hander. <br><br>Ashby, 33, was 12-13

Wednesday, December 6th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Andy Ashby to a $22.5 million, three-year contract Wednesday, a day after rescinding an offer to the free-agent right-hander.

Ashby, 33, was 12-13 with a 4.92 ERA and three complete games in 31 starts for the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves last season.

He accepted an offer from the Dodgers earlier in the week, then wavered and the team withdrew the deal. Talks resumed after a brief break and an agreement was quickly reached.

Ashby gets a $1.5 million signing bonus and salaries of $5.5 million in 2001, $7.5 million in 2002 and $8 million in 2003. The Dodgers have an $8.5 million option for 2004 that would become guaranteed if he pitches 175 innings in 2003 of 350 innings combined in 2002 and 2003.

Ashby began his career with the Phillies in 1991, and pitched briefly for Colorado before being traded to San Diego in 1993. He was a member of the Padres' starting rotation for six years before being traded to the Phillies in November 1999 for three young players.

Ashby's best year was 1998, when he helped the Padres reach the World Series. He had a 17-9 record with a 3.34 ERA and a career-high five complete games, 33 starts and 151 strikeouts.

Ashby, 14-10 with a 3.80 ERA in 1999, pitched in the 1998 and 1999 All-Star games.