News briefs: D-Backs, Adam LaRoche complete one-year deal

PHOENIX -- First baseman Adam LaRoche and the Arizona Diamondbacks have finalized a $4.5 million, one-year contract.

His deal includes a $7.5 million mutual option for 2011 with a $1.5 million buyout. LaRoche receives the buyout if either side declines the option.

The 30-year-old hit .277 for Atlanta, Boston and Pittsburgh last season with 25 homers and 83 RBI. He has a .274 career average in six seasons.

"He really helps our lineup," general manager Josh Byrnes said. "He's really a consistent, middle of the order threat."

To make room for LaRoche on the 40-man roster, Arizona designated outfielder Eric Byrnes for assignment. Eric Byrnes is owed $11 million for the final year of a three-year, $30 million contract.

Adding LaRoche allows Arizona to shift Conor Jackson to his more natural outfield position. Jackson agreed Friday to a $3.1 million, one-year contract that avoided arbitration. Full story

Mets, Maine reach deal

NEW YORK -- John Maine and the New York Mets have moved quickly to avoid salary arbitration, agreeing to a $3.3 million, one-year contract.

Maine is coming off a disappointing season that was cut short by a shoulder injury. The right-hander went 7-6 with a 4.43 ERA last year, making only 15 starts that covered 81 1/3 innings.

Of the 128 major league players who filed for arbitration Friday, Maine became the first to settle. He can earn an additional $225,000 in performance bonuses: $50,000 for making 20 starts; and $25,000 each for 23, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 starts.

Lilly's return up in air

CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs left-hander Ted Lilly doesn't know when he might be able to pitch following arthroscopic surgery on his pitching shoulder in early November.

Speaking Friday at the team's winter convention, Lilly said he has started throwing lightly 2-3 times a week.

Lilly has been one of the team's most consistent pitcher over the last three seasons, going 44-26 with a 3.70 ERA. Lilly, who signed a four-year $40 million deal with the Cubs in December 2006, was 12-9 last season.

General manager Jim Hendry says Lilly could be back by the third week of the regular season.

Indians sign Redmond

CLEVELAND -- Cleveland agreed to an $850,000, one-year contract with free agent Mike Redmond, giving the Indians needed experience after trading Kelly Shoppach to Tampa Bay last month. Shoppach's departure left Cleveland without a dependable backup to work with its young pitching staff.

The Indians feel they can count on Redmond, a 12-year veteran who spent the past five seasons with Minnesota.

Antonetti said Lou Marson and Wyatt Toregas will compete for Cleveland's starting job behind the plate. On the horizon is switch-hitting sensation Carlos Santana, who is expected to begin the season at Triple-A Columbus for grooming but could force the Indians to reconsider their plans with a strong training camp.

Coming from inside the AL Central, the Indians are very familiar with the 38-year-old Redmond, who served as MVP Joe Mauer's backup with the Twins. Redmond batted a .297 in 257 games with Minnesota since 2005. Last season, he batted .237 (32-for-135) in 45 games.

McCarthy, Texas agree on deal

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Brandon McCarthy and the Texas Rangers have agreed on a one-year, $1.3 million contract, avoiding arbitration for the injury-plagued pitcher.

McCarthy was 7-4 with a 4.62 ERA last season, when he was limited to 17 starts because of a stress fracture in his right, throwing shoulder. He was on the disabled list for almost three months.

McCarthy hasn't pitched a full season since being traded to Texas for left-hander John Danks before the 2007 season.

He appeared in only 23 games in 2007 because of blisters on his pitching hands and a stress fracture in his shoulder. Then in 2008, he missed four months because of right forearm inflammation.

Keppinger accepts Astros' deal

HOUSTON -- Infielder Jeff Keppinger agreed to a $1.15 million, one-year contract with the Houston Astros after filing for arbitration.

Just before Friday's deadline to file, right-hander Chris Sampson agreed to a one-year deal that will pay $815,000 and allow him to earn a $15,000 bonus if he appears in 55 games.

The 29-year-old Keppinger hit .256 in 107 games last season with 13 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 29 RBI. The Astros acquired him March 31 in a trade with Cincinnati.

Keppinger tied a franchise record by hitting safely in his first eight games. He went 5-for-15 as a pinch hitter and made 76 starts.

M's claim Everidge

SEATTLE -- The Seattle Mariners have claimed first baseman Tommy Everidge off waivers from the Oakland Athletics.

The team announced Friday the addition of the 26-year-old who made his major league debut with 24 games for Oakland last season.

Everidge began 2009 at Double-A Midland. He hit .335 with 20 home runs and 94 RBI in 107 games at Double A and Triple A before his promotion in July.

The A's originally selected Everidge in the 10th round of the 2004 draft out of Sonoma State University. He has hit 70 home runs over the last three seasons in Oakland's system.