PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Catcher Rod Barajas has signed a one-year $2.5 million agreement with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Phillies General Manager Pat Gillick announced the deal Thursday, saying the team also has an option on the 2008 season.
"Rod brings a lot to the table both offensively and defensively," Gillick said. "He's a proven winner who gives us added depth at that position."
In 97 games last year with Texas, Barajas, 31, hit .256 with 11 home runs and 41 runs batted in. The year before with the Rangers the eight-year veteran set career-highs with 21 homers and 60 RBI. For his eight-year career Barajas has hit .240 with 58 home runs and 225 RBI with the Rangers and Diamondbacks.
Last season, Philadelphia went with a two-man catching rotation of Mike Lieberthal and 33-year-old rookie Chris Coste, with youngster Carlos Ruiz receiving playing time late in the season. Lieberthal signed with the Dodgers this offseason, leaving the Phillies with two relatively inexperienced catchers.
