Big Deal for Indian Catcher

The Cleveland Indians and All-Star catcher Victor Martinez agreed Tuesday to a $15.5-million, five-year contract that could be worth $22.25 million over six seasons.

Martinez batted .283 with 23 home runs and 108 runs batted in last season and was picked for the AL All-Star team.

“I thank the Cleveland Indians for the opportunity and their trust,” Martinez said.

He originally had signed a one-year deal worth $372,100. He would not have been eligible for salary arbitration until after the 2006 season.

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Cincinnati’s Ryan Freel was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after the Reds beat the New York Mets in their season opener.

Police arrested Freel on Monday night in northern Kentucky, across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. He was accused of drunk driving, careless driving and having an open container in a motor vehicle.

He was released from Campbell County Jail after a $500 bond was posted, jail authorities said. Freel, scheduled for arraignment today, issued an apology through the Reds.

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Oakland right-hander Rich Harden will miss his first start of the season today against Baltimore because of a blister on his right middle finger. Harden will be replaced by Kirk Saarloos in the rotation. Harden is now scheduled to pitch Sunday at Tampa Bay.

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As expected, Rick Ankiel was put on unconditional release waivers by the St. Louis Cardinals, who are waiting to find out whether he will be claimed by another team.

Ankiel was out of options and the Cardinals have said they hope to have him in their minor league system. Ankiel ended his pitching career last month because of wildness, then started working out as an outfielder.