Khalil near 2 yr deal

[Old Sweater]

Feb 2, 7:59 PM (ET)

By BERNIE WILSON
SAN DIEGO (AP) -Khalil Greene's big 2007 season with the San Diego Padres is about to pay off with a nice contract that will allow the shortstop to avoid arbitration.

The two sides spoke Saturday and were closing in on a two-year deal worth roughly $11 million, according to a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn't been finalized.

Greene reportedly was going to ask for $4.9 million in arbitration, while the club was expected to offer $4 million.

The soft-spoken Greene was named the team's 2007 MVP after hitting .254 and setting career highs with 27 homers, 44 doubles and 97 RBIs. He also played in a career-best 153 games after missing time in previous seasons due to injuries.

Greene set a club record with a .984 fielding percentage over 690 chances.

Retaining Greene is important since he's one of the Padres' few homegrown talents. He was the 13th pick overall in the 2002 draft and made his big league debut on Sept. 3, 2003.

In December, the Padres gave another homegrown player, NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy, a $52 million, three-year contract extension. It is the biggest deal in club history.

Khalil sets a Padre record with a .984 FP where Ozzie played.


.984 FP is the career average for Omar just to show you how good he really is.

[PJ-34]

He's a very under-rated player, I've always liked him and I think he deserves more than that.

[Extra Innings]

Greene is a terrific on defense, and carries some pop in his bat. If he could raise the bat. avg. he would be solid.

[Steve Jeltz]

I bet Khalil would like to have back that throwing error in the 22nd inning last week. But I agree that he is underrated. Khalil doesn't get more attention because the NL is stacked with premier SS, Reyes, Rollins, Ramirez, etc.

[BravesFanForever]

He is very underrated. I def agree on that.

[Steve Jeltz]

How quickly Khalil has fallen. Towes is looking to unload that contract and deal him.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

If they make the deal with the Braves, then Yunel Escobar will be the Padres new SS.