Free Agent Aurilia Joins the Mariners

The Seattle Mariners agreed to a $3.15-million, one-year contract Thursday with free-agent shortstop Rich Aurilia, then traded last year’s shortstop, Carlos Guillen, to the Detroit Tigers for second baseman Ramon Santiago and minor league shortstop Juan Gonzalez.

“Seattle was always my choice of the teams that were interested,” Aurilia said. “I knew they had an immediate chance to win. A one-year deal should be added incentive, get me working really hard so I can get an extension.”

Aurilia, 32, spent eight seasons with the San Francisco Giants, batting .277 last season despite a problem with the tear duct in his left eye that made it difficult to wear contact lenses.

His best year was 2001, when he hit .324 with 37 home runs and 97 runs batted in. He should provide more punch for a team that hit .271 last season

Aurilia has a career hitting average of .278 and a career fielding average of .972. After his eye problem was corrected near midseason, he hit .312 in the second half.

The acquisition gives the Mariners an overhauled left side for 2004. The Mariners also added former Angel Scott Spiezio at third base and Raul Ibanez in left field, moving Randy Winn to center field.

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Aubrey Huff was rewarded for being one of two American League players to finish among the top 10 in all three triple crown categories when he agreed to a $14.5-million, three-year contract to remain with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

The 27-year-old infielder/outfielder hit .311 with 34 homers and a franchise-record 107 RBIs in 2003, his first full season in the majors.

The Dodgers and New York Mets expressed interest in trading for him during the winter baseball meetings.

The Devil Rays also agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Robert Fick, contingent on his passing a physical examination, a deal worth about $1 million. The first baseman, outfielder and catcher was released by the Atlanta Braves after hitting .269 with 11 homers and a career-high 80 RBIs last season.

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Although Fick and Rafael Palmeiro are off the market, Angel General Manager Bill Stoneman said those deals should not be interpreted as an indication the Angels have ruled out signing a free-agent first baseman and plan to acquire one by trade instead.

Palmeiro is expected to sign with the Baltimore Orioles as soon as today. Travis Lee remains available in free agency, and Stoneman is exploring trades as well.

Darin Erstad was told to prepare to play center field and has worked out all winter there, but Stoneman said he also is pursuing outfielders and would not hesitate to move Erstad to first if he acquired one.

Although the Angels have made Jarrod Washburn and Ramon Ortiz available, sources in both organizations discounted a rumor that Washburn would be sent to the Chicago White Sox for first baseman Paul Konerko.

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Outfielder B.J. Surhoff re-signed with the Orioles, accepting a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. He will get an $800,000, one-year contract if he makes the opening day roster and can earn an additional $1.15 million in performance bonuses.

Times staff writer Bill Shaikin contributed to this report.