Fick, Braves Agree on Contract

The Atlanta Braves finally have a regular first baseman, signing free agent Robert Fick to a $1-million, one-year contract on Monday.

Fick, 29, was an All-Star last season with the Detroit Tigers, batting .270 with 17 home runs and 63 runs batted in. He led major league outfielders with 21 assists, but he’s looking forward to playing first base for the Braves.

“I like it over there,” said Fick, who also played catcher for the Tigers. “I’m athletic. If you can catch, you can do anything.”

Julio Franco and Matt Franco platooned at first base for Atlanta in 2002 and combined to hit .297 with 12 home runs and 60 RBIs. They will return next season, but the Braves wanted someone who could put up better power numbers at the position.

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Right-handers Joey Hamilton and Al Levine finalized their one-year contracts with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Hamilton, 32, got $850,000. He had a 4-10 record and a 5.27 earned-run average last year with the Cincinnati Reds.

Levine, 34, got $950,000. He was 4-4 with five saves and a 4.24 ERA in 52 appearances with the Angels last season.

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Former Cleveland Indian manager Charlie Manuel was hired by the Philadelphia Phillies as a special assistant.

Manuel, fired by the Indians in July, will serve as a roving hitting instructor at the major and minor league levels. He will help General Manager Ed Wade evaluate players.