D'backs and Hillenbrand avoid arbitration

[WebHamster]

Phoenix, AZ (Sports Network) - The Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Shea Hillenbrand on Friday, avoiding arbitration with the third baseman.

As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not released.

Arizona acquired Hillenbrand from the Boston Red Sox last May in exchange for pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim. He batted .267 with 17 homers and 59 RBI in 85 games with the D'backs.

Hillenbrand, 28, was a combined .280 hitter in 2003, establishing career bests with 20 home runs and 97 RBI in 134 games.

The Diamondbacks also announced that catcher Robby Hammock underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee Friday to repair some surface fraying and damage to the cartilage in the bed of the kneecap.

In a related move, the team signed veteran free-agent catcher Bobby Estalella to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.