Mets Deal for McMichael

The New York Mets bolstered their bullpen by acquiring relief pitcher Greg McMichael from the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Paul Byrd and a player to be identified.

McMichael, 29, posted a 5-3 record with a 3.22 earned-run average and two saves in 73 games last season.

The addition of McMichael should strengthen New York’s bullpen, considered among the weakest in the major leagues last season and a key reason behind the club’s disappointing fourth-place finish behind the Braves in the National League East.

“Our No. 1 priority this off-season has been to strengthen our bullpen,” Met General Manager Joe McIlvaine said. “By acquiring a player with the experience of McMichael, we feel we have taken a big first step in that direction.”

McMichael was once the Braves’ closer, posting 19 saves as a rookie in 1993 and followed that by leading the team with 21 saves the following season. He lost the closer job to Mark Wohlers in 1995 and has remained in the setup role.

Byrd was 1-2 with a 4.24 ERA in 38 games in middle relief for the Mets last season.

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The Angels cut pitcher Ryan Hancock from their 40-man roster and sent the right-hander to triple-A Vancouver, General Manager Bill Bavasi said. Hancock, 25, split the 1996 season between Vancouver and Anaheim. He was 4-1 with a 7.48 ERA in 11 games for the Angels.

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The Milwaukee Brewers and second baseman Fernando Vina agreed to terms on a one-year contract. Terms weren’t disclosed. Vina earned $190,000 last season, when he batted .283 with seven homers.