The Detroit Tigers have avoided salary arbitration with Ramon Santiago by agreeing to terms on a 2009 contract for the infielder.
The 29-year-old Santiago batted .282 with four home runs and 18 RBIs in 58 games with Detroit in 2008. The Tigers say they now have 13 of the 39 players on their 40-man roster under contract for 2009.
A'S: Former first baseman Troy Neel was charged with fleeing to a small private island to avoid paying about $725,000 in child support.
BLUE JAYS: All-Star right-hander Matt Clement agreed to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training. He has not pitched in the majors since 2006 because of shoulder problems.
BREWERS: Mercedes-Benz will not return to Miller Park after completing a three-year contract for naming rights in the picnic area in right field.
DIAMONDBACKS: Infielder Felipe Lopez has signed a one-year contract for a reported $3.5 million.
NATIONALS: Outfielder Willie Harris agreed to a two-year, $3 million contract. Washington also announced they did not tender a 2009 contract to right-hander Tim Redding, the only pitcher to win 10 games for the team last season.
PIRATES: Utility infielder Ramon Vazquez signed a $4 million, two-year contract after batting a career-high .290 for Texas last season.
RED SOX: Kevin Cash became a free agent after Boston declined to tender the catcher a contract for 2009.
WHITE SOX: Chicago agreed to a $10 million, four-year contract with Cuban infielder Dayan Viciedo.
YANKEES: A.J. Burnett agreed to a five-year contract. ESPN.com and Foxsports.com reported Burnett's deal was worth $82.5 million.
