Playoff star Ross reaches 1-yr. deal with Giants

[January 19, 2011]  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Postseason star Cody Ross has avoided salary arbitration with the World Series champion San Francisco Giants, agreeing to terms on a one-year contract Tuesday.

Ross earned $4.45 million last season, when he joined the Giants on a waiver claim from Florida on Aug. 22. He became one of their most reliable players down the stretch and during an improbable title run. The franchise won its first championship since 1954.

Reliever Ramon Ramirez, another midseason addition last year, also avoided arbitration by agreeing on a $1.65 million, one-year deal.

[Associated Press; By JANIE McCAULEY]

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