Pirates, Mondesi seal deal

Raul Mondesi passed his physical yesterday, and the Pittsburgh Pirates finalized their one-year contract with the free agent outfielder. Mondesi, 33, hit .272 with 24 homers, 71 RBIs, and 22 steals in 143 games with the New York Yankees and Arizona Diamondbacks last year. His contract includes a team option for 2005.

"I told my agent I want to sign with a National League team," said Mondesi, who hasn't played a full season in the NL since 1999. "The Pirates wanted to sign me and I want to play for them, especially because [Roberto] Clemente played many years for the Pirates."

Mondesi was examined by team doctors Sunday, then completed the exam and returned to his native Dominican Republic to pack his belongings. He planned to rejoin the Pirates tomorrow, the voluntary reporting date for position players.

Ryan rejoins Astros

The Astros keep adding famous pitchers. After signing hometown stars Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens during the offseason, Houston has agreed to a five-year personal services contract with Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. Ryan's deal is to be announced at a news conference today. Ryan began negotiating with the Astros, with whom he played from 1980-88, after his personal services deal with the Rangers expired earlier this month . . . Seattle reliever Rafael Soriano strained a muscle on the left side of his abdomen during a throwing session. The extent of the injury wasn't immediately known, and Soriano will be reevaluated today. The hard-throwing righthander is expected to be a key member of the Mariners bullpen this season . . . Eli Marrero and the Braves agreed to a contract extension through the 2005 season. The catcher/ outfielder, obtained from St. Louis in December, makes $3 million this year and would have been eligible for free agency after the season . . . Yankees righthander Jon Lieber will miss his next scheduled mound session because of an injured right groin. Lieber first felt discomfort while throwing Saturday, but the injury is not considered serious . . . The Cardinals claimed lefthander Luis Martinez off waivers from Milwaukee. Martinez, who was the Brewers' minor league pitcher of the year in 2003, was recently cleared in a shooting in the Dominican Republic stemming from a traffic dispute . . . Former major league umpire Al Clark pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with selling baseballs he falsely claimed had been used in memorable games. Clark, 56, who umpired in the majors fromm 1977-2001, remained free on $50,000 bail and is to be sentenced June 3. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, but could be sentenced to as little as probation. He also must pay $40,000 restitution to victims of the scheme as part of his plea agreement.