Dodgers sign C Martin, RHP Broxton

Jan 21, 2009 - 12:22 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday signed catcher Russell Martin and reliever Jonathan Broxton to one-year contracts, avoiding arbitration.

"It was good to get that out of the way," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti told the team's web site. "They can concentrate on the season without the distraction, which is a plus."

A two-time All-Star, the 25-year-old Martin hit .280 with 13 home runs and 69 RBI last season. He will make $3.9 million in 2009 after taking home $500,000 in 2008.

Broxton, 24, went 3-5 with 14 saves and a 3.13 ERA in 70 games last year. The hard-throwing righthander served as the Dodgers' setup man for most of the season before assuming the closer's role when Takashi Saito landed on the disabled list.

Broxton will make $1.8 million plus incentives after receiving $454,000 last campaign. He likely will serve as Los Angeles' closer this season, as Saito signed with Boston as a free agent.