BASEBALL Bernie, Yankees agree to contract

The veteran outfielder accepted a 1-year deal with no guarantees.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK -- Fans at Yankee Stadium will be chanting "Bernie! Bernie!" again next year.
The Yankees announced Thursday that they had agreed to a $1.5 million, one-year contract with the popular outfielder, who has been in pinstripes since 1991 and compiled statistics that put his name alongside the team's greatest players.
"He ranks right there with the Gehrigs and the Berras and the Ruths and the Mantles," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.
Williams' playing time will be reduced following this week's agreement with Johnny Damon, who takes over as the starting center fielder. The shaggy-haired and bearded Damon passed his physical Thursday and got a haircut, a Yankees official said, and the team called a Friday news conference to finalize his $52 million, four-year contract.
Williams had 485 at-bats last season, starting 99 games in center and 22 at designated hitter.
"There were no promises made in terms of certain amount of at-bats or where," Cashman said. "It could materialize as a pinch hitter, a DH, a pinch runner, an everyday outfielder, a defender whether it's left field, center field. It just remains to be seen."
Mariners take a shot on Lawton
SEATTLE -- Matt Lawton knew he had a limited market following his suspension for using steroids.
The Seattle Mariners were willing to give him a chance, agreeing Thursday to a $400,000, one-year contract.
"When somebody first brings the name up, there are a lot of reservations," Seattle general manager Bill Bavasi said. "As with every player you look into everything very closely, and we're satisfied its a one-time deal."
The commissioner's office announced Nov. 2 that Lawton tested positive for steroids, a substance identified as boldenone, which is used by veterinarians.
Because he tested positive under the 2005 program, Lawton will miss the first 10 days of next season instead of 50 games, the penalty called for under the toughened agreement players and owners adopted under pressure from politicians.
Dodgers sign Tomko
LOS ANGELES -- There were many reasons Brett Tomko wanted to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He grew up three miles from Dodger Stadium, he makes his home down the freeway in San Diego, and he has a bond with Los Angeles general manager Ned Colletti.
"He gave me a chance in San Francisco, to come there, when I didn't have a lot on the table," Tomko said Thursday after agreeing to an $8.7 million, two-year contract with Los Angeles. "Now it's good to come to Los Angeles and be a part of what he's trying to do."
Other moves
Second baseman Mark Bellhorn agreed to an $800,000, one-year deal with San Diego, giving the Padres another member of the 2004 Boston Red Sox team that won the World Series. ... Rondell White to a contract with the Minnesota Twins that guarantees him $3.25 million for one year and could be worth up to $8.5 million over two seasons if he plays regularly. ... Yankees backup catcher John Flaherty and the Red Sox reached a preliminary agreement Thursday on a $650,000, one-year contract. ... The Royals' quest for a corner outfielder may be nearing an end, with the team trying to reach an agreement with Reggie Sanders on a two-year contract worth about $10 million. ... Right-handers Steve Sparks and Dave Borkowski were among five players who agreed Thursday to minor league contracts with the Houston Astros. Infielders Danny Klassen, Eric Munson and Kevin Orie also agreed to deals.