Dodgers Dump Offerman

As promised, the Los Angeles Dodgers traded Jose Offerman, sending the error-prone shortstop to the Kansas City Royals for left-handed reliever Billy Brewer.

Even before the trade, Offerman agreed to a $900,000, one-year contract with the Royals that gives him the chance to make $200,000 more in performance bonuses.

Ironically, the Dodgers recently signed free agent Greg Gagne, the Royals shortstop for the past three years.

Offerman, 27, made the N.L. All-Star team last season, but led the league with 35 errors despite being benched in favor of Chad Fonville for the final month of the season.

Offerman, who has been plagued by erratic play on defense throughout his career, played in 119 games in 1995, hitting .287 with four homers and 33 RBIs.

The Atlanta Braves, trying to keep their payroll at about $50 million, traded No. 5 starter Kent Mercker to the Baltimore Orioles for two minor leaguers, left-handed reliever Joe Borowski and left-hander starter Rachaad Stewart.

Mercker, 27, was 7-8 with a 4.15 ERA last season with the World Series champions. He had a $2.25 million salary and likely would have received more than $3 million next season.