TORONTO, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The Toronto Blue Jays have one less arbitration case to worry about after signing shortstop Chris Woodward to a one-year, $775,000 contract.
Woodward appeared in 90 games with Toronto last season, posting career highs with a .276 average, 13 home runs and 45 RBI. Entering the 2002 campaign with just five homers in 88 career games, the 26-year-old posted his first three-homer game in a 5-4 loss to Seattle on Aug. 7.
In 178 career games, the versatile Woodward owns a .244 average with 18 homers and 66 RBI. Entering spring training as the Blue Jays' starting shortstop after making 79 appearances there last season, he also spent time at first, second and third base.
While avoiding arbitration with Woodward, Toronto still has not come to terms with outfielder Shannon Stewart and pitchers Roy Halladay, Kelvim Escobar and Cliff Politte, all of whom are eligible.
