TUCSON, March 14 (UPI) -- Juan Pierre, one of the keys to the "new-look" Colorado Rockies, has signed a four-year, $7.5 million contract with the club.
The 24-year-old Pierre batted .327 and tied for the National League lead with 46 stolen bases last year. The speedy center fielder had 202 hits and is part of the Rockies' new commitment to youth, speed and defense.
Pierre will receive a $400,000 signing bonus, $500,000 this season, $900,000 in 2003, $2.3 million in 2004 and $3.4 million in 2005. He was not eligible for arbitration this season but will have a year of arbitration eligibility following his new deal.
"For the Rockies to put the confidence in me after the first year, it doesn't happen too often, so I'm just grateful to them for giving me this chance," Pierre said.
Pierre's on-base percentage of .373 last season was third in National League just shy of the league leaders Paul Lo Duca and Craig Biggio (.378). He also stuck out just 29 times in 617 at-bats.
