Diamondbacks re-sign 1B Tony Clark

Jan 3, 2009 - 12:22 AM PHOENIX (Ticker) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday re-signed veteran first baseman Tony Clark to a one-year contract worth $800,000.

Clark, who started last season with San Diego, was re-acquired by the Diamondbacks last July, but he hit just .206 in limited playing time.

The 14-year veteran is expected to be utilized primarily as a pinch hitter in 2009 while playing behind either Chad Tracy or Conor Jackson at first base.

"I am thankful to have an opportunity to come back and be a part of my hometown team," said Clark, a native of Glendale, Arizona.

Clark, who turns 37 in June, had his best season for the Diamondbacks in 2005, when he hit 30 homers and drove in 87 runs.

Clark also was a major contributor off the bench in 2007, when he hit .249 with 17 and 51 RBI for the National League West Division champion Diamondbacks.

Clark is a .263 career hitter with 247 homers and 813 RBI in 1,523 games.