Russ Ortiz Joins Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to terms with free-agent pitcher Russ Ortiz on a $33-million, four-year contract a day after striking a deal with third baseman Troy Glaus.

“I could see that they were serious,” Ortiz said Friday after slipping on a Diamondback jersey as Glaus looked on. “Winning’s important. I wanted to be a part of what they’re trying to accomplish.

“They convinced me from Day 1 they were headed in that direction,” he added.

The Diamondbacks are trying to rebound from last season’s 51-111 finish that left them last in the National League West. They gave Glaus, the 2002 World Series most valuable player, a $45-million, four-year deal.

Ortiz had a 15-9 record and a 4.13 earned-run average after working 204 2/3 innings for the Atlanta Braves last season, but the right-hander won only twice in his final 10 regular-season starts.

Ortiz pitched five seasons for the San Francisco Giants before joining Atlanta for two seasons. He made the NL All-Star team in 2003 when he was 21-7 with a 3.81 ERA.

Over his career, his record is 103-60 with a 4.00 ERA.

In another signing Friday, the Texas Rangers agreed to a $5 million, one-year contract with right fielder Richard Hidalgo, who played for the Houston Astros and the New York Mets last season, hitting .239 with 25 homers and 82 RBIs.