Angels avoid arbitration with Erick Aybar
TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Angels have avoided arbitration with Erick Aybar, signing the shortstop to a one-year, $2.05-million deal that includes an additional $100,000 in incentives if he reaches 625 plate appearances.
Aybar had a breakout season in 2009, batting .312 with five home runs, 58 runs batted in and 70 runs, and he emerged as one of baseball's best defensive shortstops.
Aybar had asked for a salary of $2.75 million; the Angels countered with an offer of $1.75 million. Catcher Jeff Mathis was in Tampa for an arbitration hearing Thursday morning.
-- Mike DiGiovanna
