Gagne signs two-year deal with Dodgers

LOS ANGELES -- Former Cy Young Award winner Eric Gagne avoided another difficult salary arbitration hearing with the Los Angeles Dodgers, agreeing Tuesday to a $19 million, two-year contract.

Gagne and the Dodgers agreed to the deal just before they were scheduled to exchange figures in salary arbitration.

He will get $8 million this year and $10 million in 2006. Los Angeles has a $12 million option for 2007 with a $1 million buyout, but Gagne has the right to void the option and become eligible for free agency. If he voids the option, he would receive a buyout of $250,000 to $1 million, depending games finished the next two years.

A year ago, Gagne was awarded $5 million by a panel of three arbitrators rather than his $8 million request. The right-hander won the NL Cy Young Award in 2003.

Gagne had a 7-3 record with a 2.19 ERA last season. He had 45 saves in 70 games, struck out 114 and walked 22.

Gagne was among 30 players who agreed to deals before the exchange.

In addition, the Cubs and catcher Michael Barrett agreed to a $12 million, three-year contract after swapping proposals.

Among those who agreed to contracts Tuesday were two other players who had become free agents: Seattle left-hander Ron Villone ($4.2 million for two years) and Philadelphia second baseman Placido Polanco ($4.6 million for one season). Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins got a $3.85 million contract and pitcher Vicente Padilla agreed at $3.2 million.

Anaheim agreed to contracts with pitchers Jarrod Washburn ($6.5 million) and Scot Shields ($925,000) and catcher Jose Molina ($725,000). Colorado settled with pitchers Jason Jennings ($7 million over two years) and Joe Kennedy ($2.2 million).

World Series champion Boston agreed to one-year contracts with second baseman Mark Bellhorn ($2.75 million) and right-hander Bronson Arroyo ($1.85 million). Baltimore reached agreements with three players: pitchers B.J. Ryan ($2.6 million) and Rodrigo Lopez ($2,375,000), and second baseman Jerry Hairston Jr. ($1.8 million).

The Cubs also agreed to one-year deals with center fielder Corey Patterson ($2.8 million) and reliever Kyle Farnsworth ($1,975,000).

Among free agents, the Indians agreed to a $2.7 million, two-year deal with infielder Alex Cora and the New York Mets agreed to a minor league contract with reliever Roberto Hernandez.