Indians avoid arbitration with Chris Perez, others

CLEVELAND (AP) - The Indians signed All-Star closer Chris Perez to a one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration with the colorful right-hander and several others.

Perez, who had 39 saves last season when he also caused controversy with some pointed comments, will earn $7.3 million next season. Perez has 98 saves over the past three seasons.

The club also agreed to deals on Friday with starter Justin Masterson, relievers Joe Smith and Matt Albers, outfielder Drew Stubbs and catcher Lou Marson. Stubbs and Albers came to Cleveland last month in a three-team trade with Arizona and Cincinnati.

Terms of the other deals were not immediately known.

Infielder Mike Aviles remains the only unsigned player eligible for arbitration.

The Indians have not gone to arbitration with a player since 1991, when both Greg Swindell and Jerry Browne had hearings