Posted at 10:15 a.m., Friday, November 30, 2007
Baseball: Infielder Izturis, Cards agree to 1-year deal
By R.B. FALLSTROM
AP Sports Writer
The 27-year-old Izturis won a Gold Glove in 2004 and was an NL All-Star in 2005. Eckstein combined with Brendan Ryan to play the majority of the games last year at shortstop, a position that accounted for 32 of the team's 76 infield errors.
Izturis is primarily a shortstop, but has also played at second base and third base.
"We have always prided ourselves on being a sound defensive team," general manager John Mozeliak said. "Hopefully, Cesar can help us restore that. We've seen firsthand how important solid defensive play can be to a team's overall performance."
Eckstein, the World Series MVP in 2006, became a free agent after an injury-plagued season.
The switch-hitting Izturis batted .258 in 110 games last season with the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates. He hit .276 with the Pirates after being acquired on July 19.
Izturis has a career batting average of .259. His best offensive season was 2004, when he batted .288 with a career-high 32 doubles, four home runs, 25 steals and 62 RBIs.
In addition to his base salary, Izturis can earn $650,000 in performance bonuses: $100,000 each for 400 and 450 plate appearances, and $150,000 each for 500, 550 and 600 plate appearances.
