Trammell Agrees to Contract

The Dodgers expressed confidence they had acquired a bargain instead of a headache Tuesday after signing troubled outfielder Bubba Trammell to a one-year, $1.85-million contract in which the team must pay only the Major League Baseball minimum of $300,000.

The balance of Trammell’s contract will be paid by the New York Yankees, who last month settled a grievance with the 32-year-old that allowed him to become a free agent.

Trammell, who played in only 22 games last season, was placed on the restricted list June 30, one day after he left the team for unspecified personal reasons. The Yankees terminated his contract, prompting the players’ union to file a grievance over the remainder of his $2.5-million salary.

The union contended that Trammell should have been placed on the disabled list because he suffered from depression. Players on the disabled list are paid; ones on the restricted list are not.

Dodger General Manager Jim Evans said he was confident Trammell had resolved his off-field issues and could contribute as a reserve outfielder and veteran right-handed bat off the bench.

“When you ask a guy to come in in big situations and get a productive at-bat, they need experience to do that,” Evans said. “He’s been a very successful player against left-handing pitching and has had success in the National League.”

Trammell, who has a .261 career average over parts of seven seasons, has hit .282 against left-handers. His most productive season came in 2001, when he hit .261 with 25 home runs and 92 runs batted in in 142 games with the San Diego Padres.

Evans said the Dodgers have made it clear to Trammell, who also plays first base, not to expect that kind of playing time this season.

“We are not signing him to be our everyday outfielder; we expect him to be a role player,” Evans said. “He gives [Dodger Manager Jim Tracy] another option, a guy who can play multiple positions.”

The Dodgers also agreed to minor league contracts with left-hander Troy Brohawn and right-hander Bill Simas and invited them to spring training. Brohawn, who underwent surgery for rotator cuff tendinitis in June, was 2-0 with a 3.86 earned-run average in 12 appearances. Simas, a former longtime Chicago White Sox reliever, was 4-0 with a 1.96 ERA last season for Triple-A Las Vegas.