Angels, pitcher Joe Saunders agree to terms
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The Angels and former All-Star left-hander Joe Saunders avoided arbitration by agreeing to terms today on a one-year contract worth $3.7 million.
Saunders, 28, is 33-14 in his last two seasons with the Angels and 48-22 in his big-league career. Saunders was an American League All-Star in 2008 when he won 17 games and posted a 3.41 earned-run average. He can earn an additional $25,000 if he pitches 180 innings and can earn another $25,000 if he throws 200 innings.
The Angels have just two arbitration-eligible players -- shortstop Erick Aybar and catcher Jeff Mathis -- who have not come to terms. If the club and the players cannot reach agreement, a hearing will be held next month and an arbitrator will choose between a salary sought by the player or offered by the club.
-- Kevin Baxter