Adam LaRoche signs a $7.05 million, one-year contract with the payroll-poor Pirates. The 25 year-old first baseman’s deal, which avoids the need for arbitration, will most likely be the second richest in Pittsburgh this season, being slightly less than shortstop Jack Wilson’s $7.25 million.

Adam LaRoche signs a $7.05 million, one-year contract with the payroll-poor Pirates. The 25 year-old first baseman’s deal, which avoids the need for arbitration, will most likely be the second richest in Pittsburgh this season, being slightly less than shortstop Jack Wilson’s $7.25 million.

Jonathan Papelbon, avoiding arbitration, agrees to a one-year contract with the Red Sox. The 28 year-old All-Star closer has compiled a career 1.84 ERA, the second-best in big league history among pitchers with at least 200.0 innings, trailing only Meriden, Connecticut’s Ed Walsh mark of 1.82.

Jonathan Papelbon, avoiding arbitration, agrees to a one-year contract with the Red Sox. The 28 year-old All-Star closer has compiled a career 1.84 ERA, the second-best in big league history among pitchers with at least 200.0 innings, trailing only Meriden, Connecticut’s Ed Walsh mark of 1.82.