Piazza finalizes Padre deal

All-Star catcher Mike Piazza finalized his $2 million deal with the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, saying he’s looking forward to helping his new team defend its National League West title.

“I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about the city of San Diego and I am excited to finally have the opportunity to play there,” Piazza said in a statement released by the team. “I hope that I can help bring another division title back to San Diego, then continue on to a successful postseason run.”

Piazza will hold a news conference in San Diego on Monday.

Piazza, 37, will have a $1.25 million salary in 2006, with the chance to make $250,000 each for 85, 95, and 105 games started.

The deal includes an $8 million mutual option for 2007, with a $750,000 buyout.

“Mike Piazza is one of the greatest-hitting catchers in the history of baseball and has his name written all over the major league record books,” general manager Kevin Towers said. “This is an exciting addition to our club and we are thrilled to see him add to those numbers while wearing a Padres uniform.”

The 12-time All-Star holds the major league record for most career home runs by a catcher (374). He has 397 homers overall, and is a career .311 hitter.

Twins sign Sierra

Ruben Sierra agreed to a minor league contract with the Minnesota Twins and was invited to spring training.

Sierra, 40, batted .229 with four home runs and 29 RBIs in 61 games with the New York Yankees last season.

He would get a $400,000, one-year contract if added to the 40-man roster.

Minnesota also agreed to minor league deals with right-handers Ryan Glynn and Pete Munro and outfielder Tim Raines Jr.

Clearing the bases

Infielder Ramon Martinez and right-hander Kurt Ainsworth agreed to minor league contracts with the Los Angeles Dodgers. … Reliever Rick White and the Cincinnati Reds agreed to a $600,000, one-year contract. … Reliever Felix Rodriguez agreed to a $600,000, one-year contract with the Washington Nationals. … Third baseman Russell Branyan signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.