Indians, Betancourt reach agreement

The Cleveland reliever will be with the team for three more years.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rafael Betancourt emerged from the darkness for Cleveland. Five years later, he’s one of the Indians’ brightest stars.

Betancourt, one of the AL’s top relievers last season, agreed Wednesday to a $5.4 million, two-year contract with the Indians, who avoided going to salary arbitration with the right-hander.

An unknown free agent with a surgically repaired shoulder when the Indians signed him in 2003, Betancourt received a multi-year deal that includes a $5 million club option for 2010 and has performance bonuses for games finished.

“This is like a dream come true for me and my family,” Betancourt said. “I’ll be here for three more years. I told my agent I really wanted to stay here. I just wanted to get it done.”

The 32-year-old Betancourt was arguably the majors’ best setup man last year.

He went 5-1 with a 1.47 ERA in 68 appearances, mostly in the eighth inning, before handing the ball to closer Joe Borowski, who led the AL with 45 saves in his first season for Cleveland.

Betancourt’s ERA was the league’s second-lowest among relievers and opponents batted just .183 against him.

“I want to do even better,” Betancourt said. “I just want to stay healthy and that way I can help the team like I did last year.”

It was during spring training in 2003 when the Indians discovered Betancourt. The lights had gone out during a game against Montreal at Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven, Fla. Not long after power was restored, Betancourt made his first appearance for the Indians.

“I remember when Raffie came into the game,” Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said. “All the scouts sitting behind home plate were flipping through the media guide trying to find out who he was.”

Betancourt’s tedious between-pitch routine, in which he incessantly tugs on his cap and paws at the mound with his cleat, frustrated hitters. He finished the season with 80 strikeouts and just nine walks in 79 1/3 innings and recorded three saves.

Although he may have a closer’s stuff, Betancourt is in no hurry to change roles.

“I like where I’m at right now,” he said. “I love pitching in those situations.”