Chad Cordero Finally Gets Paid

Avoiding arbitration Friday, righty Chad Cordero and the Washington Nationals agreed to a $6.2 million, one-year contract.

At 25, he went 3-3 with 37 saves and a 3.36 ERA for the Nats in 2007, becoming the second-youngest closer in history to record 100 career saves.

Cordero has converted more than 80% of his opportunities over the last three seasons. Remember when he set a club record and led the majors with 47 saves in 2005? The following year he had 29 saves with a 7-4 record and a 3.19 ERA, making just $525,000.

Among the eight other players Washington agreed to terms with Friday, Lastings Milledge, who was acquired in late November by way of trade with the New York Mets, received a split deal that would pay him $402,500 if he's in the big leagues and $145,075 in the minors.

[National Post]

Chad Cordero Awarded $4.15 Million

Washington closer Chad Cordero was given a sizable raise after winning his arbitration case on Wednesday, going from a meager $525,000 salary last season to $4.15 million in 2007.

The Nationals offered the jolly right-hander a $3.65 million salary for last season's 29-save performance, 7-4 record and 3.19 ERA. The year before, he led the majors with 47 saves, a franchise record.

Cordero is a career 17-11 with a 2.61 ERA and 91 saves in 106 opportunities since his 2003 debut with the Montreal Expos.

[Sports Illustrated]