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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 10:31 a.m., Tuesday, February 3, 2009

MLB: Brewers, 2B Rickie Weeks avoid arbitration

By COLIN FLY
AP Sports Writer

MILWAUKEE — Second baseman Rickie Weeks and the Milwaukee Brewers agreed Tuesday to a $2.45 million, one-year contract and avoided salary arbitration.

Weeks can earn an additional $100,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances from 575 to 650. During his first five seasons, Weeks has never had more than 560 plate appearances due to injuries.

The 26-year-old made $1,056,000 last season and requested $2.8 million this year in arbitration. The Brewers countered at $2 million.

Weeks was the second overall pick in the 2003 amateur draft and has hit .245 with 306 runs in his first five seasons. He hit .234 with 14 homers and 89 runs last year, primarily in the leadoff slot. He struck out 115 times and went to the disabled list in June with a sprained left knee.

Weeks, who sat in favor of Ray Durham most of September, tore cartilage in the same knee in Game 3 of the NL playoffs against Philadelphia and had surgery to repair the meniscus two days later.

Milwaukee previously avoided arbitration with right-hander Dave Bush, shortstop J.J. Hardy, right-hander Seth McClung and first baseman Prince Fielder.

Fielder was the lone multiyear deal, agreeing to an $18 million, two-year contract.

Only right fielder Corey Hart remains without an agreement. Doug Melvin has never had a case reach an arbitration hearing since taking over as Milwaukee's general manager in 2002.