One-year $2 million contract for Piazza
Mike Piazza agreed a $2 million, one-year contract with the San
Diego Padres, Mike Piazza had been interested in signing a
free-agent; he will stay in the NL and return to the West Coast
for the first time since the Los Angeles Dodgers traded him to
Florida in 1998.
Mike Piazza holds the major league record for most career home
runs by a catcher. Piazza's deal is expected to be announced on
Monday, and he will get a $1.25 million salary this year.
Piazza's became a free agent after last season, hoping to catch
about 90-100 games this season, along with playing some first
base and being the DH in inter-league games. Piazza's got mix
into the Padres in December around the time of the winter
meetings. Additionally, he also reportedly had considered
playing for the Phillies.
Piazza was slowed by injuries the past three years and had
trouble throwing. Piazza was acquired by the Mets in a trade
with Florida in May 1998, eight days after he was shipped from
the Dodgers to the Marlins .The Padres will have to move a
player off their 40-man roster before signing Piazza.