Diamondbacks agree to deal with RHP Qualls

Jan 21, 2009 - 12:42 AM PHOENIX (Ticker) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday agreed to terms with workhorse reliever Chad Qualls on a one-year contract, thus avoiding an arbitration hearing.

The Diamondbacks did not release financial terms, but the team's web site reported that the deal is worth $2.54 million. He made $1.3 million last season.

"It feels good once you get a deal done that both sides are happy with," Qualls said. "You don't have to drag it along any longer than necessary. I'm glad I have never gone to the actual arbitration process."

Qualls, 30, made a career-high 77 appearances for the Diamondbacks last season, recording a 4-8 record with a a 2.81 ERA and nine saves.

The righthander began the season as a setup man, but moved into the closer's role in September and converted all seven of his save opportunities from September 12-27.

Qualls leads all major league relievers with 324 2/3 innings pitched and 314 appearances since the beginning of the 2005 season.