Well there goes a possibility to play 1B for us next year.

 

LOS ANGELES -- Robin Ventura and the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed Sunday to a $1.2 million, one-year contract.

 

 

Ventura, a 15-year veteran, was acquired from the New York Yankees in July for minor league pitchers Bubba Crosby and Scott Proctor.

 

 

He hit .220 for Los Angeles in 109 at-bats with five homers and 13 RBI. He bad batted .251 for the Yankees with nine homers and 42 RBI.

 

 

"Robin's versatility and veteran leadership were extremely valuable last season, and we're very excited to bring him back," Dodgers general Manager Dan Evans said. "He's a Gold Glove-caliber infielder whose offensive production and clubhouse presence should complement our 2004 club well."

 

 

In addition to his salary, Ventura could earn $1.2 million in performance bonuses: $200,000 each for 250 and 350 plate appearances, $250,000 for 450 plate appearances and $300,000 each for 500 and 550 plate appearances.

 

 

If he's traded, his base salary would increase to $1.4 million.

 

 

Ventura, an AL All-Star in 1992 and 2002, has six Gold Glove awards. He played 42 games at first base for the Dodgers last season and committed just two errors for a .993 fielding percentage.

 

 

The Santa Maria, Calif., native originally was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 1988 amateur draft.

Darn would have liked to have Robin here for the end of his carrer. Still think he can play, he could help this team in differennt ways

Damn for $1.2 that would have been a great chance to take. Teach him to play first and he could back up Crede. Plus a good LH bat.

I agree on all counts here! Plus, he was such a fan favorite--that I think it would have put a few more butts in the seats. Oh, man, Robin Ventura was my absolute hero and all time favorite. I would almost forget about Koch's last season for KW if he brought back Robin.