Yankees sign LHP Marte to three-year deal

Nov 12, 2008 - 7:09 PM BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Yankees made a long-term commitment to Damaso Marte on Wednesday, signing the lefthanded relief specialist to a three-year contract.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the New York Daily News reported that the deal is worth $12 million.

Wednesday's move came after the Yankees declined Marte's contract option for 2009, making him a free agent.

Marte, 33, and outfielder Xavier Nady were acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 26 for pitchers Ross Ohlendorf and Jeff Karstens and a pair of minor leaguers.

Marte struggled while getting acclimated to his new environment, posting a 1-3 record with a 5.40 ERA in 25 appearances for the Yankees.

However, he allowed just two earned runs in his final 16 appearances - 11 innings - from August 16 to the end of the season.

Over the last four years, Marte has made 352 appearances - the fourth-highest total in the major leagues.

Originally signed by Seattle as a non-drafted free agent in 1992, Marte has a career mark of 22-23 with 36 saves and a 3.29 ERA in 519 games.