Tony Clark finalizes deal with Padres for 2008

Ex-Tiger Tony Clark finalizes deal with Padres for 2008

February 16, 2008

ASSOCIATED PRESS

SAN DIEGO — Former Tiger first baseman Tony Clark and his hometown San Diego Padres finalized a $900,000, one-year contract on Thursday.

Also Thursday, the team and catcher Josh Bard agreed on a contract for $2,237,500 to avoid arbitration. Bard can make another $225,000 in incentives if he starts 112 games.

Clark went to high school in San Diego, then played at San Diego State. The switch-hitter will back up Adrian Gonzalez and provide pop off the bench as a pinch-hitter.

The 35-year-old Clark spent the last three seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He batted .249 with 17 homers and 51 RBIs in 221 at-bats with the NL West champions in 2007.

Clark spent his first seven seasons with Detroit, where he was an All-Star in 2001.

"This guy has proved, especially in this division, what he's capable of doing coming off the bench," general manager Kevin Towers said. "He hit 17 home runs in a little over 200 plate appearances last year. He's a switch-hitter who can do damage from both sides of the plate.

"He's got those intangibles," Towers added. "He's a team leader. From talking to former teammates or other general managers, this guy is a class citizen in the clubhouse, which is great."

Clark can earn up to $550,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances. He'll also get a $500,000 payment each time he's traded.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Padres designated outfielder Drew Macias for assignment.

Bard will make $50,000 if he starts 90 games, $75,000 more if he starts 105, and $100,000 more for reaching 112. He started 103 games last year.