Baseball Guru
11-08-2001, 04:45 PM
By Associated Press
November 7, 2001, 7:12 PM EST
CHICAGO -- Veteran right-hander Kevin Tapani has filed for free agency after the Chicago Cubs declined to exercise his $6.5 million option for next season, triggering a $500,000 buyout.
Tapani, who will be 38 next year, was 9-14 with a 4.49 ERA in 29 starts this season. He began the year 8-1, but lost nine straight decisions at one point.
Tapani went 19-9 with the Cubs in 1998 but then struggled with injuries for two seasons, going 6-12 and 8-12 in 1999 and 2000.
He broke in with the Twins in 1989 and also pitched for the Dodgers and White Sox before joining the Cubs in 1997. He has a major league record of 143-125, including 51-50 with the Cubs.
The Cubs told Tapani late in the season they would not pick up his option and he was not surprised at that time.
"It was the right decision. I agreed with it," said Tapani, acknowledging the Cubs were looking to the future.
November 7, 2001, 7:12 PM EST
CHICAGO -- Veteran right-hander Kevin Tapani has filed for free agency after the Chicago Cubs declined to exercise his $6.5 million option for next season, triggering a $500,000 buyout.
Tapani, who will be 38 next year, was 9-14 with a 4.49 ERA in 29 starts this season. He began the year 8-1, but lost nine straight decisions at one point.
Tapani went 19-9 with the Cubs in 1998 but then struggled with injuries for two seasons, going 6-12 and 8-12 in 1999 and 2000.
He broke in with the Twins in 1989 and also pitched for the Dodgers and White Sox before joining the Cubs in 1997. He has a major league record of 143-125, including 51-50 with the Cubs.
The Cubs told Tapani late in the season they would not pick up his option and he was not surprised at that time.
"It was the right decision. I agreed with it," said Tapani, acknowledging the Cubs were looking to the future.