Braves Fill Hole With Galarraga

Andres Galarraga filled the hole created by first baseman Fred McGriff’s departure, signing a $24.75-million, three-year contract with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.

Galarraga, 36, hit .318 last season with 41 homers and 140 runs batted in, leading the league for the second year in a row. He had been with the Colorado Rockies since the team started play in 1993.

Galarraga will receive $8 million in 1998, $8.25 million in 1999 and $8.5 million in 2000. He would earn an additional $250,000 in any season he has 400 plate appearances.

He made $4.8 million in 1997, the final season of a four-year deal.

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The Florida Marlins keep cutting back, trading Jeff Conine, a fan favorite since the team’s first game in 1993, to the Kansas City Royals for minor league pitcher Blaine Mull.

Conine agreed to a two-year contract with Kansas City worth about $4 million and is expected to be the Royals’ starting left fielder next season.

The trade was part of an ongoing effort by the World Series champions to slash their payroll. Conine, 31, made $2.8 million last season and was eligible for arbitration after Florida declined a $3-million option.

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The Angels beefed up their bench by acquiring utility player and former No. 1 draft pick Phil Nevin and reserve catcher Matt Walbeck from the Detroit Tigers for minor league reliever Nick Skuse. Nevin, who has not fulfilled the potential he showed while leading Cal State Fullerton to the 1990 and ’92 College World Series, can play third base, first base, outfield and catcher, and he was the Tigers’ top pinch-hitter last season, going eight for 16. . . . The San Diego Padres acquired their fourth pitcher in three days, getting left-hander Ed Vosberg from the Marlins in exchange for a minor leaguer. . . . Seattle SuperSonic owner Barry Ackerley may join the group trying to buy the Marlins, according to a source with the baseball team. . . . Baltimore Oriole Manager Ray Miller is expected to round out his coaching staff early next week with the hirings of former Oriole Eddie Murray and longtime Dominican scout Carlos Bernhardt. Murray, who played with the Dodgers and Angels last season, will replace first base coach John Stearns.