TAIWAN: LA Dodgers sign Taiwanese pitcher Kuo Hong-Chih to one-year deal

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 1:44 pm TWN

By Chris Wang, CNA

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The Los Angeles Dodgers have signed Taiwanese pitcher Kuo Hong-Chih to a one-year deal that will pay him US$975,000 in 2010, the Major League Baseball club's Web site reported Wednesday.

The signing means the left-handed reliever, who earned US$437,000 last season, will not have to go through salary arbitration proceedings.

Kuo's contract also includes an incentive clause for total appearances. His 55th and 60th appearances would each earn him an additional US$25,000 and his 65th and 70th appearances would each earn him an extra US$50,000.

Kuo appeared in 35 games and pitched 30 innings in 2009, mostly in a set-up role, and went 0-2 with a 3.00 ERA.

The 28-year-old left-hander has compiled a 9-13 record and 3.77 ERA in his five seasons with the Dodgers.

Though he has been plagued by arm injuries throughout his career, Kuo seems to have finally earned the trust of manager Joe Torre in the Dodgers' bullpen.

Kuo was among six Dodgers to file for salary arbitration Jan. 15.

Russell Martin, James Loney and George Sherrill also signed one-year deals with the Dodgers to avoid arbitration. Outfielder Andre Ethier and closer Jonathan Broxton are the two Dodgers eligible for arbitration who have yet to sign.

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