Cardinals add catcher Bennett, infielder Cruz

Dec. 5, 2005
ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals filled two holes on their bench Monday, signing catcher Gary Bennett and infielder Deivi Cruz to one-year, $800,000 contracts.
The players are replacements for infielder Abraham Nunez, who signed a free-agent deal with Philadelphia, and catcher Einar Diaz, who was not tendered an offer.
The 33-year-old Bennett hit .221 in 68 games for Washington last season with one home run and 21 RBI, and pitchers had a 3.87 ERA with him behind the plate. He's a career .243 hitter with 15 homers and 149 RBI in 458 games.
The Cardinals will be the fifth team in five seasons for Bennett, who set career highs for games (96) and RBIs (42) in 2003 with San Diego.
The 33-year-old Cruz hit .265 in 101 games last season for San Francisco and Washington with five homers and 20 RBI. He was dealt to Washington at the trade deadline.
Cruz plays mostly shortstop and second base, but also has 13 games experience at third base. Cruz would earn an additional $50,000 for playing 120 games and $50,000 each for 300 and 350 plate appearances.
The Cardinals have 36 players on their 40-man roster.

Source: http://cbs.sportsline.com/