Gonzalez And Lieberthal Sign With Dodgers

The Dynasty · 12-08-2006, 07:35 PM

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Luis Gonzalez might not even have to sell his house.

The veteran outfielder, whose option was not picked up by the Arizona Diamondbacks, is moving down the road to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Gonzalez and the team have agreed on a one-year contract for about $7 million. The 39-year-old would play left field with Andre Ethier moving to right to replace J.D. Drew, who opted out of his contract and signed with the Red Sox.

The most popular player in Diamondbacks history, Gonzalez hit .271 with 52 doubles, 15 homers and 73 RBI last season.

He cemented his reputation in Phoenix when he had the game-winning hit in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series against the New York Yankees.

"There's probably [only] a handful of guys in baseball who permeate the clubhouse like he did with us," Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin told the Arizona Republic before Gonzalez signed with the Dodgers.

"Everybody loves Gonzo and what he's done for our organization and our community and the whole bit."

Gonzalez foreshadowed this move when he found out the Diamondbacks didn't want him back.

"I'd like to, so I can come back here and haunt these guys if I can," he told the Republic with a smile last season. "Wouldn't any athlete like to come back and beat his old team? I mean, realistically, that would be a great situation."

The Dodgers had a busy day on Wednesday, reportedly agreeing to terms with premier right-hander Jason Schmidt and signing veteran catcher Mike Lieberthal to a one-year, $1.25 million contract.

The 34-year-old Lieberthal will serve as a backup to Russell Martin, who hit .282 with 10 homers and 65 RBI as a rookie last season. He gets $1.15 million next year, and the Dodgers have $1.4 million option for 2008 with a $100,000 buyout.

Lieberthal, a two-time All Star and former Gold Glove Award winner, spent his first 13 major league seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. He appeared in just 67 games due to injuries last season, hitting .273 with nine homers and 36 RBI.

"Mike is a veteran catcher who can help our club in a lot of different ways," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. "As a former Gold Glove Award winner, he has a lot to offer Russell Martin and he'll be able to provide valuable leadership in the clubhouse. He's another local player who knows what it means to be a Dodger."

Lieberthal grew up in the Los Angeles area, graduating from Westlake Village High. Although his father, Dennis, was a scout for the San Francisco Giants, Lieberthal's family had season tickets for the Dodgers while he was growing up.

Lieberthal, who made his big-league debut at Dodger Stadium on June 30, 1994, has a .275 career average with 150 homers and 609 RBI.

Great pick up for the Dodgers. I think there will be a close battle between Cubs and Dodgers for the Wild Card.