ST. LOUIS (AP) - Right-hander Brad Thompson and the St. Louis Cardinals avoided arbitration when they agreed Tuesday to a $650,000, one-year contract.
Thompson, who turns 27 on Jan. 31, split time as a starter and reliever last season. He was 6-3 with a 5.15 ERA and spent part of the season at Triple-A Memphis. For his career, Thompson is 19-11 with a 4.24 ERA in 153 games.His agreement came a day after the team avoided arbitration with two other players, giving pitcher Todd Wellemeyer to a $4.05 million, one-year deal and outfielder Chris Duncan an $825,000, one-year contract.
Two St. Louis players remained in arbitration: outfielders Ryan Ludwick and Rick Ankiel.
