The Padres have avoided one of those often-tumultuous arbitration hearings with outfielder Scott Hairston, signing him Tuesday afternoon to a $2.45 million contract for the 2010 season. The news comes via MLB.com’s Corey Brock.
Hairston requested $2.9 million from the Padres and was offered $2.1 million when
arbitration figures were exchanged two weeks ago, so a little compromise was needed on both sides. He hit .265/.307/.456 with 17 home runs, 64 RBI and 11 stolen bases last year in 430 at-bats between Oakland and San Diego. The 29-year-old is expected to serve in a center field platoon this season with Tony Gwynn Jr..
The Padres also acquired his brother, Jerry Hairston Jr., this offseason with a one-year, $2.15 million free agent contract. He’s expected to serve in a kind of super-utility role for the club, backing up multiple positions on the infield and outfield.