Walker Signs With the Cubs

The Chicago Cubs got another left-handed hitter, agreeing Tuesday to a $1.75-million, one-year contract with free-agent infielder Todd Walker.

Walker, 30, played second base for the Boston Red Sox last season, hitting .283 in 144 games. He said he is not going to try to replace Cub second baseman Mark Grudzielanek, who agreed to a one-year deal Dec. 7 that guarantees him $2.75 million.

Walker had 38 doubles, four triples and 13 homers while driving in a career-high 85 runs last season. He was the toughest player to strike out in the American League, with an average of one strikeout every 12 plate appearances.

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The Red Sox agreed to a $1-million, one-year contract with free-agent second baseman Pokey Reese.

Reese was sidelined by a torn thumb ligament last season and hit .215 in 37 games but had at least 421 at-bats in each of his previous four seasons, three of them with Cincinnati.

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The Angels have expressed interest in signing Robert Fick, and the free-agent first baseman said he would be willing to join a platoon and sign a cut-rate contract to play in Anaheim.

After discussions involving his agent and club officials, Fick said he believes free agent Rafael Palmeiro, who played with the Texas Rangers last season, is the Angels’ first choice at first base.

Fick said he also has talked with the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Devil Rays but would accept less money to play with the Angels.

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Third baseman Chris Stynes, who left the Colorado Rockies so they could bring back free agent Vinny Castilla, signed a $975,000, one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.... Free-agent utilityman Shawn Wooten agreed to a $575,000, one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.... Kenny Lofton completed his $6.2-million, two-year contract with the New York Yankees.... The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to one-year contracts with a pair of free-agent pitchers, giving Shane Reynolds a $1-million deal and Steve Sparks a $500,000 agreement.... The Atlanta Braves and Julio Franco are on the verge of finalizing a minor league contract that would pay the veteran first baseman $750,000 if he’s added to the major league roster.