Dodgers Sign Astacio, but Piazza Talks Stall

The Dodgers avoided going to arbitration with one player Friday, signing pitcher Pedro Astacio to a one-year contract worth about $2.5 million, but they may still face it with catcher Mike Piazza. They have made little progress toward signing Piazza since a four-hour meeting 10 days ago and he has filed for arbitration. Arbitration figures must be submitted Tuesday, but the Dodgers can continue to negotiate with Piazza until their hearing sometime in February.

The Dodgers also learned that they had lost out on free-agent second baseman Robbie Thompson, who signed a one-year, nonroster contract with the Cleveland Indians.