Taguchi agrees to one-year contract

ST. LOUIS -- Outfielder So Taguchi and the St. Louis Cardinals avoided arbitration on Tuesday, agreeing to a one-year contract that will guarantee him $1,025,000.

The 37-year-old was a postseason star who helped the Cardinals win their first World Series in 24 years. He began the playoffs 4-for-4 as a pinch hitter, including a go-ahead home run off the Mets' Billy Wagner in Game 2 of the NL championship series.

He batted .266 in 134 regular-season games with two homers and 31 RBIs.

Taguchi's deal calls for a salary of $925,000 and the team has an option for 2008 at $1.1 million with a $100,000 buyout. His base salary for 2008 would increase by $100,000 each for 350 and 375 plate appearances next season, and $150,000 each for 400 and 450 plate appearances.

-- AP