Garciaparra agrees to deal with Dodgers

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Free agent shortstop Nomar Garciaparra
agreed to a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on
Sunday, reuniting the five-time All Star with his former Boston
Red Sox manager, Grady Little.

According to media reports, Garciaparra’s contract is worth
$6 million with incentives that could push the deal as high as
$8 million.

The Dodgers have scheduled a news conference Monday to
introduce Garciaparra, who is expected to play first base for
the Dodgers.

Hampered by groin injuries, Garciaparra played just 62
games for the Chicago Cubs last season, batting .283 while
hitting just nine home runs with 30 RBI.

Despite a history of recent injuries, the Dodgers are
hoping 32-year-old veteran will return to the form that made
him one of baseball’s premier shortstops.

The American League Rookie of the Year in 1997, Garciaparra
won batting titles in 1999 and 2000 and helped the Red Sox to
three post-season appearances.

However, the shortstop was traded to the Cubs in 2004
missing out on Boston’s World Series victory.