Diamondbacks, Batista finalize two-year deal
Mark Gonzales
The Arizona Republic
Feb. 2, 2002
It doesn't matter what role Miguel Batista will play this season.
The Diamondbacks acknowledged his versatility by signing him to a two-year, $5.8 million contract.
General manager Joe Garagiola Jr. said the signing of free-agent pitcher Rick Helling last month doesn't suggest that Batista will be relegated to bullpen duty, especially with Todd Stottlemyre recovering from right shoulder and right elbow injuries.
"Miguel's attractiveness is his versatility and effectiveness," Garagiola said shortly before the two sides reached an agreement. "He's a valuable member of our staff."
Batista, 30, who had a career-best 11-8 record and 3.36 ERA in 48 games, and the Diamondbacks averted an arbitration hearing by agreeing to terms. Batista, who had won only 13 games with five other teams, earned $400,000 in 2001.
His value, however, became greater as the D-Backs moved closer toward their World Series championship. Batista was 7-3 with a 3.14 ERA in 19 games after the All-Star break. He was 6-6 with a 3.36 ERA in 18 games as a starter and 5-2 with a 3.35 ERA in 30 games as a reliever.
Because of the struggles of Brian Anderson and Albie Lopez, Batista played a larger role as a starter in the final month of the regular season and postseason. He allowed one run in 14 innings in wins over Los Angeles in September, then limited St. Louis to two runs over six innings in a 5-3 victory in Game 3 of the division series.
Batista pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings in Game 5 of the World Series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in a 126-pitch effort.
Three days later, Batista pitched in relief in Game 7 and induced Derek Jeter to hit into a fielder's choice in the eighth inning of the D-Backs' dramatic 3-2 win.
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