LA Signs Grudzielanek, $18M

January 18, 2000 / 8:45 PM EST / CBS/AP

Shortstop Mark Grudzielanek, who led the Los Angeles Dodgers with a .326 average last season, agreed Tuesday to an $18 million, four-year contract.

The Dodgers also agreed to one-year contracts with four other players, including pitcher Chan Ho Park ($3.8 million). Outfielder Trenidad Hubbard agreed to a $300,000, one-year contract, then was released.

Grudzielanek's 1999 batting average was the highest for a NL shortstop in 63 years and was the highest single-season average for a Dodgers shortstop.

He also hit seven home runs and had 46 RBIs, his first full season with the Dodgers. He was traded from the Expos in July 1998.

Grudzielanek, 29, will be paid $3 million in 2000, $4 million in 2001, $5 million in 2002 and $5.5 million in 2003, with a $500,000 buyout option. The team retains a $6 million option for 2004. He made $1.9 million last season.

"The Dodgers made a commitment to me, and I'm going to do whatever it takes to make the team a winner," he said. "I'm really looking forward to getting to spring training and getting prepared for the season."

Park, 26, agreed to a $3.8 million deal. The six-year veteran was 13-11 with a 5.23 ERA in 33 starts for the Dodgers last year. He made $2.3 million last year.

The others who agreed to one-year contracts are:

Right-handed pitcher Terry Adams, who appeared in 52 games for the Cubs last year. He will be paid $1.4 million after making $736,000 last year. Adams was 6-3 with 13 saves and a 4.02 ERA last season.

Right-handed pitcher Dan Naulty, who played for the Yankees last year. He agreed to terms on a $475,000 contract. His record in four major league seasons is 5-5 with a 4.54 ERA and five saves. He made $300,000 last season.

Infielder Kevin Orie, who hit .254 with six home runs and 29 RBIs with the Marlins last season. He agreed to a $600,000 deal after making $240,000 last year.

Hubbard, who made $300,000 last year, agreed to a $350,000 deal for this season before electing free agency.