DeShields Will Move From Dodgers to Reds

Second baseman Delino DeShields, who never lived up to expectations in his three-year stay with the Dodgers, agreed Wednesday to a two-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds.

DeShields is expected to sign a contract Friday--the first day free agents may officially sign with other teams.

Bret Boone, the Reds’ second baseman since 1994, is expected to be traded and replaced by DeShields.

DeShields, acquired Nov. 19, 1993, from the Montreal Expos for pitcher Pedro Martinez, batted .241 with the Dodgers with 15 home runs and 111 runs batted in. He suffered through the worst season of his career in 1996, batting .224, including .184 after the All-Star break. He was benched the last two games of the playoffs in favor of rookie Juan Castro.

The Dodgers, who will save $3 million with DeShields’ departure, still are hoping to sign free-agent third baseman Dave Hollins and perhaps a second baseman, such as Mark McLemore of the Texas Rangers. The Dodgers also have interest in free agent third baseman/first baseman Todd Zeile.