Padres sign Kevin Correia and Luis Rodriguez

[Cowtipper]

The Padres and pitcher Kevin Correia have reached terms on a minor league contract, with both sides expecting that Correia will compete for a starting job in spring training. The $750,000 salary is contingent on Correia winning a spot on the 25-man roster.

"I view him as having a solid shot at the back end of our rotation," said General Manager Kevin Towers.

The Padres, avoiding salary arbitration, also came to terms with infielder Luis Rodriguez for $675,000 and announced the signing of three free agents to minor league deals: pitchers Chris Britton and Oneili Perez, and catcher Eliezer Alfonzo.

Correia, 28, had spent his entire career with the Giants' organization, going 14-22 with a 4.59 ERA in 170 games for San Francisco. The right-hander has made 46 career starts. Correia's agent, Barry Axelrod, said Correia was offered more money elsewhere than what he accepted from the Padres.

"There was a strong amount of interest in Kevin," Axelrod said. "For the teams that are more cost conscious, they thought he might be a bargain. He wants to be a starter. It looks like a wide-open competition would be available (with the Padres)."

Correia, a San Diego native and resident who pitched for Grossmont College, gave the Giants a 3.45 ERA over 101.2 innings in 2007. Paid a $1.1 million salary in 2008, he went 3-8 with a 6.05 ERA. He was hindered for part of the year by an oblique strain. In response, he has worked harder on his conditioning, Axelrod said.

The Padres have ace Jake Peavy and No. 2 starting pitcher Chris Young under contract for 2009. They expect Cha Seung Baek to also fill a spot in the rotation. Correia, Josh Geer, Wade LeBlanc and Chad Reineke are among those likely to compete for a starting job. The club also hasn't ruled out trading Peavy, who is guaranteed $63 million over the next four years.

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Padres agree to terms with INF Rodriguez

5 hours ago

SAN DIEGO (AP) — The Padres agreed to terms on a one-year deal with infielder Luis Rodriguez on Wednesday.

The switch-hitting Rodriguez batted .287 with 12 RBIs and 22 runs scored in 64 games in his first season with San Diego. Signed by Minnesota as an undrafted free agent in 1997, Rodriguez has a career average of .257 with six home runs and 50 RBIs over parts of four major league seasons.

San Diego also reached minor league deals with pitchers Kevin Correia, Chris Britton and Oneli Perez, and catcher Eliezer Alfonzo. The four were also invited to spring training.

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