Burks’ Indian Deal May Signal End for Ramirez

Free agent outfielder Ellis Burks and Cleveland agreed Sunday on a three-year deal worth nearly $21 million, the Associated Press reported--a sign the Indians may go into the future minus Manny Ramirez.

The deal could be announced as early as today, two sources close to the negotiations said Sunday.

Burks hit .344 with 24 home runs and 96 RBIs in only 393 at-bats last season for the San Francisco Giants. The National West champions, however, did not make a firm, multiyear offer to keep him.

Burks narrowed his choice to the Indians and the Texas Rangers. The Colorado Rockies had made a strong bid, and the New York Yankees dropped out after expressing early interest.

Burks, 36, plays right field, the same position Ramirez held for Cleveland. Ramirez recently sought a $200 million, 10-year contract from the Indians, who countered with a $119 million, seven-year offer to the free-agent slugger, a deal that included a large amount deferred without interest.

The Indians then pulled their proposal off the table, an indication they might instead spend their money on a hitter--Burks--and a pitcher, possibly Mike Mussina.

Cleveland also has contacted free-agent Tony Gwynn, and could wind up pursuing pitchers such as Denny Neagle and Darren Dreifort.

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After losing Burks to the Indians, the Giants acquired pitcher Tim Worrell from the Chicago Cubs for third baseman Bill Mueller.

The Giants also reached a one-year agreement with third baseman Russ Davis, who batted .261 with nine home runs in 80 games last season.

Worrell a 33-year-old right-hander, had a 3-4 record with three saves and a 2.47 ERA in 54 relief appearances for the Cubs.