Padres select contract of De La Cruz among other moves

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Padres release De La Cruz

The San Diego Padres have requested unconditional release waivers on right-handed pitcher Eulogio De La Cruz

The 25-year-old De La Cruz made three appearances for the Padres last season and posted a 5.40 earned run average. He spent the rest of the year at Triple-A Portland, where he went 2-6 with a 3.12 ERA in 48 games (four starts).

De La Cruz has also pitched for the Detroit Tigers and Florida Marlins and owns a lifetime 11.84 ERA in 15 games (one start) without a decision.

Padres, Bell avoid arbitration

The San Diego Padres have avoided arbitration with closer Heath Bell, signing the right-hander to a one-year, $4 million deal. The team's website stated that an official announcement could come as soon as Friday.

Bell had the unenviable task of replacing Trevor Hoffman last season, but responded with a National League high 42 saves while going 6-4 with a 2.71 earned run average in 68 games. He joined Hoffman and Mark Davis as the only closers in Padres history to have 40-save seasons.

The 32-year-old hurler, who was also part of Team USA at last year's World Baseball Classic, didn't allow an earned run until his 17th appearance of the season and pitched to a 1.69 ERA in the first half of the year, converting 23 of his 24 save opportunities before the break.

Correia stays with Padres

The San Diego Padres came to terms on a one- year contract with right-handed pitcher Kevin Correia on Saturday, thus avoiding salary arbitration.

The 29-year-old Correia, who will reportedly get $3.6 million, went 12-11 with a 3.91 ERA in a career-high 33 starts last season for the Padres. He spent the first six years of his career with the San Francisco Giants and has a career mark of 26-33 with a 4.36 ERA in 203 games (79 starts).

The Padres also announced that they have tendered contracts to 32 additional players for the 2010 season. Already under contract for the 2009 season were infielders David Eckstein and Adrian Gonzalez as well as right-handed pitchers Radhames Liz and Chris Young.

Padres agree to deal with P Garland

The San Diego Padres have agreed to a one- year contract with a mutual option for 2011 with free agent pitcher Jon Garland.

"We are excited to add Jon to our rotation," Padres general manager Jed Hoyer said. "Jon is a talented and reliable starting pitcher who has been an integral part of several winning organizations. His ability helps to solidify our pitching staff and his experience will be a great asset for our younger pitchers."

The 30-year-old right-hander split last season between Arizona and the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 33 starts between the clubs, Garland went 11-13 with a 4.01 earned run average. In 204 innings, he struck out 109 and walked 61.

Padres make Bell contract official

The San Diego Padres made it official Saturday, announcing they have agreed to terms with closer Heath Bell on a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.

The team's website reported earlier the deal is worth $4 million.

Bell had the unenviable task of replacing Trevor Hoffman last season, but responded with a National League high 42 saves while going 6-4 with a 2.71 earned run average in 68 games. He joined Hoffman and Mark Davis as the only closers in Padres history to have 40-save seasons.