Rockies, Atkins agree to one-year deal

Feb 11, 2008 - 7:30 PM DENVER (Ticker) -- The Colorado Rockies and third baseman Garrett Atkins avoided salary arbitration on Monday, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $4.39 million.

Performance bonuses could add another $92,500 to the contract, according to MLB.com.

Atkins overcame a slow start last season to bat .301 with 25 home runs and 111 RBI, numbers that represented a slight regression from his breakout 2006 season - when he hit .329 with 29 homers and 120 RBI.

The 6-3 Atkins also struggled during the 2007 postseason for the reigning National League champion Rockies, batting just .175 (7-for-40) with one homer and three RBI in 11 games.

Atkins, 28, is a career .302 hitter with 68 homers and 332 RBI in parts of five seasons - all with the Rockies.

With this agreement, the Rockies have two players left that are arbitration-eligible - lefthander Brian Fuentes and outfielder Brad Hawpe.