Garciaparra re-signs with Dodgers for two years

LOS ANGELES (Ticker) - Nomar Garciaparra can thank former teammate J.D. Drew for his new contract.

The National League Comeback Player of the Year, Garciaparra re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers for two years on Monday.

Financial terms were not disclosed for the first baseman, who made $6 million last season.

The Dodgers' interest in bringing Garciaparra back to the fold surged after Drew surprisingly exercised an option to void the remaining three years of his contract earlier this month.

Los Angeles, which was already in the market for a power hitter before Drew's decision, had just two players drive in more than 90 runs in last season's National League wild card-winning campaign (88-74), with Garciaparra placing second behind Drew (100) with 93 RBI.

"Nomar played a huge role in the Dodgers' success last season and an offensive threat like him is not easy to find," Los Angeles general manager Ned Colletti said. "His versatility, mental toughness, clutch performances and leadership capabilities make him a perfect fit for this team."

In his first season with the Dodgers last year, the 33-year-old batted .303 with 20 home runs and 82 runs scored in 122 games. He was named an All-Star for the fifth time and played first base for the first time in his 11-year career.

Prior to last season, Garciaparra had not played in more than 100 contests in this previous three seasons. Although the 1997 American League Rookie of the Year avoided a big injury, he still was on the disabled list twice with a strained ribcage in April and a sprained left knee in late July.

Those injuries took their toll, as Garciaparra hit just .229 after the All-Star break. He batted .358 with 53 RBI in 68 games in the first half.

In 1,193 career games with the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Dodgers, Garciaparra has hit .318 with 211 homers and 833 RBI.
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They didn't have a choice, with Drew leaving and Soriano now off the market. Hopefully, Loney gets every shot at cracking the lineup.