One ball was signed by all the living (at that time) pitchers who had thrown perfect games.

"If we signed pitchers, we wouldn't have been able to put a team on the field."

The Pirates signed pitchers, too, but to inexpensive minor-league contracts.

However, Phillips is averse to signing pitchers to five-year contracts.

It also was economical because it freed money Melvin used to sign pitchers as free agents.

Clubs may still sign mediocre free-agent pitchers to ridiculous contracts, but they do it because they can afford to.

Signed Chris Hammond, pitcher, and Lenny Harris, infielder, to one-year contracts.

Signed Ritchie Moody, pitcher, and Scott Malone, first baseman-outfielder.

Signed Barry Manuel, pitcher, and Guillermo Velasquez, first baseman, to minor-league contracts.

The Mets, who want to keep Saberhagen but whose fears about signing pitchers to long-term deals are unshakable policy, are unsure what they will do this fall.