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Karros Set to Sign With Athletics

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After toying with the idea of returning to the Dodgers, free-agent first baseman Eric Karros has decided to sign a one-year deal with the Oakland Athletics that will pay him at least $1 million and could include an option for 2005.

Jeff Moorad, Karros’ agent, said he had a “steady dialogue” with Dodger General Manager Dan Evans and former chairman Bob Daly over the last two months and had “conceptual discussions” with the team about a contract for Karros.

“But we all concluded [Friday] that Oakland was the most logical fit,” Moorad said. “At this stage, he’s on the verge of signing with the A’s.”

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Karros, who was traded to the Chicago Cubs last winter after spending the first 12 years (1991-2002) of his career with the Dodgers, will give the A’s a right-handed bat to share time with Erubiel Durazo and Scott Hatteberg, left-handed hitters who play first base and designated hitter.

Karros hit .286 with 12 homers and 40 runs batted in for Chicago in 2003.

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Dodger second baseman Alex Cora, who broke his right forearm during a winter league game in Puerto Rico on Sunday, had surgery Friday to insert a metal plate that will promote the healing process. The prognosis for Cora -- that he will be out four to six weeks -- has not changed.... The Dodgers avoided arbitration with Jolbert Cabrera, signing the utility player to a one-year, $1-million deal that includes a $1.5-million option for 2005.

-- Mike DiGiovanna

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