Arizona reaches 1-year deals with Qualls, Heilman

[February 04, 2010]  PHOENIX (AP) -- The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to one-year contracts Monday with Chad Qualls and Aaron Heilman, avoiding arbitration with the two right-handed relievers.

Qualls gets $4,185,000, while Heilman's deal is for $2.15 million.

Qualls was 2-2 with 24 saves in 29 opportunities and a 3.63 ERA as Arizona's closer last year, when he made $2,535,000. His season ended when he dislocated his left kneecap while deflecting a line drive on the final play against Houston on Aug. 30. He got the save in that game.

Heilman was acquired from the Chicago Cubs for two minor leaguers last November. He was 4-4 with a save and a 4.11 ERA with the Cubs last season in 70 appearances. He earned $1,625,000.

The Diamondbacks have two players remaining in arbitration: pitcher Edwin Jackson and shortstop Stephen Drew.

[Associated Press]

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