Giants, Cardinals Finally Complete Trade Involving Clark, Four Others

In a 4-for-1 trade, the St. Louis Cardinals have acquired outfielder Jack Clark from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for pitcher Dave LaPoint, first basemen David Green and Gary Rajsich and shortstop Jose Gonzalez.

The Cardinals said the deal, which was first reported to be in the works a week ago, was completed Friday after several snags had been worked out regarding Clark’s contract.

Clark, 29, has hit 20 or more home runs in five of the last seven seasons. In 1984 he had a .320 batting average with 11 home runs and 44 RBIs through June 26, when he injured his right knee and underwent surgery that sidelined him the rest of the season.

Clark has 163 career home runs. He collected his 1,000th career hit in St. Louis last May against Bob Forsch.

LaPoint, 25, was 12-10 last season with a 3.96 ERA. LaPoint had a 35-22 record with the Cardinals in three-plus seasons. He has never had a losing season in the major leagues.

Green was switched to first base from the outfield last season. He hit .268 with 15 home runs and 65 RBIs.

Rajsich and Gonzalez spent most of last season with the Cardinals’ farm team at Louisville. Rajsich hit .286 with 29 home runs and 95 RBIs. Gonzalez, 25, hit .279 and led American Assn. shortstops in fielding percentage with .956.

The Cardinals had asked for a thorough examination of Clark’s knee before the trade was made. Clark is in the third year of a four-year contract that will pay him about $1.3 million this year. That will rank him among the highest-paid Cardinals.