February 3, 200620 yr http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/...t=.jsp&c_id=cin CINCINNATI -- The Reds avoided arbitration with All-Star shortstop Felipe Lopez on Thursday by agreeing to terms on a one-year contract worth $2.7 million. Lopez, who would have had his hearing Feb. 8, batted .291 with 23 home runs and 85 RBIs in 148 games during a breakout 2005 season. The 25-year-old, who didn't become the everyday shortstop until Rich Aurilia went on the disabled list in May, never gave the job back. While ranking first among National League shortstops in homers, RBIs and tied for the top in extra-base hits, Lopez posted a .352 on-base percentage. He was Cincinnati's lone representative to the All-Star Game last year, a first-time honor. He also won a Silver Slugger Award. Only Barry Larkin hit more homers (23) in a season as a shortstop in Reds history. When the exchange of arbitration figures was made last month, Lopez was seeking a $3 million 2006 salary while the Reds counter offered at $2.15 million. Lopez made $415,000 last season. First baseman Adam Dunn remains Cincinnati's lone pending arbitration case. The two sides are scheduled to appear before a three-person panel Feb. 17 in St. Petersburg, Fla WOOOT!
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