Three More Dodgers Agree to 1-Year Deals

Relief pitcher Jay Howell and infielders Jeff Hamilton and Mike Sharperson avoided arbitration hearings Thursday, agreeing to one-year contracts with the Dodgers.

Howell signed for $2,575,000, Hamilton for $497,500. The figures on Sharperson’s contract were not available.

Howell had asked for $2.75 million against the Dodgers’ offer of $2.4 million. Hamilton had asked for $545,000 and the Dodgers had offered $450,000. Sharperson wanted $675,000 and the Dodgers were offering $500,000.

Howell was 6-5 with a 3.18 earned-run average and 16 saves in 44 games last season.

Hamilton missed most of last season with a torn ligament in his left knee.

The signings left four Dodgers in arbitration: relief pitcher Tim Crews, infielder Juan Samuel and outfielders Kal Daniels and Stan Javier.