The Chicago Cubs offered free agent pitcher and Butler native Matt Clement arbitration Tuesday, the last available day the club could do so.

Clement, 30, was 9-13 with a 3.68 earned run average last season. He is 69-75 lifetime in seven major league seasons.

The veteran right-hander has until Dec. 19 to accept or reject the arbitration offer. If he accepts, he will remain with the Cubs for at least the 2005 season.

If Clement rejects the offer, he has until Jan. 8 to sign with the Cubs or he cannot rejoin them until May 1.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer recently reported that Clement last week visited the Indians, who offered a three-year contract worth at least $18 million.

The Chicago Cubs website reports that Clement has received multi-year offers from other teams. If he signs with another team, the Cubs would receive a second-round draft choice as compensation.

Chicago didn't offer arbitration to seven other free agents by Tuesday's deadline, including former all-star outfielder Moises Alou.

Clement could not be reached for comment Tuesday.