ST. LOUIS - The Reds' loss is Central Division-rival St. Louis' gain.
The St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a $3.75 million, two-year contract with free-agent pitcher Kent Mercker.
The 29-year-old left-hander was 8-11 with a 3.92 ERA in 25 starts and three relief appearances last season with the Reds.
''Mercker has proved to be one of the most versatile left-handers in the league,'' Cardinals General Manager Walt Jocketty said. ''He gives us a solid two-way option as both a starter and a reliever, and his experience far outweighs his age.''
Mercker made $1.7 million in 1997 and will get $1.25 million in 1998 and $2.5 million in 1999. His salary in the second year could increase to $3 million, depending on performance. Mercker's option for 2000 is at $1.75 million to $4.5 million, depending on performance.
The Reds had offered Mercker a three-year, $4.5 million deal.
''It was a better deal, a better situation,'' Mercker said.
Mercker is an insurance policy for the Cards if they don't get Andy Benes.
Baseball's Player Relations Committee voided the Cardinals' $30 million, five-year contract with Benes, deciding it occurred after the Dec. 7 deadline. The players' association may file a grievance and a hearing may be scheduled for Friday. If arbitrator Dana Eischen rules against the union, the Cardinals can't re-sign Benes until May 1 at the earliest.
Another former Red, Mike Morgan, officially sign with the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday.
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