PEORIA, Ariz. — When the Seattle Mariners completed their trade for pitcher Erik Bedard last Friday, it didn’t mean they were finished with him from a business standpoint.
Along with the ace left-handed pitcher, the Mariners also got Bedard’s contract situation from the Baltimore Orioles, and it potentially was a sticky one. Bedard had filed for arbitration, asking for $8 million while the Orioles offered $6 million.
Friday, Bedard and the Mariners avoided that sometimes contentious step by agreeing on a one-year contract worth $7 million. He made $3.425 million in 2007.
“It was important to the club to get this done quickly and fairly to avoid any distraction as we prepare for the season,” Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi said.
Next on Bavasi’s plate with Bedard is to sign him to a multi-year extension. Bedard won’t be a free agent until after the 2009 season.
The signing kept Bavasi’s perfect record in never going to arbitration with a player.
The M’s acquired Bedard, who will be their opening-day starter, in exchange for outfielder Adam Jones, pitcher George Sherrill and minor league pitchers Chris Tillman, Kam Mickolio and Tony Butler.
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