Saunders, Angels agree to $3.7M, 1-year deal

Jan 30, 2010 - 4:34 AM ANAHEIM, Calif.(AP) -- Left-hander Joe Saunders and the Los Angeles Angels agreed Friday to a $3.7 million, one-year contract, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing next month.

The 28-year-old was 16-7 with a 4.60 ERA last year and has a 33-14 record in the last two seasons. Eligible for arbitration for the first time, he had asked for a raise from $475,000 to $3.85 million and had been offered $3.65 million. In addition to his base salary, he can earn $50,000 in performance bonuses - $25,000 each for 180 and 200 innings - and award bonuses.

Shortstop Erick Aybar and catcher Jeff Mathis are the remaining Angels in arbitration.