Baseball: Belliard, Ausmus stay with Dodgers

LOS ANGELES - Ronnie Belliard's new contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers was worth the wait. Worth the weight, that is.

The infielder's $825,000, one-year contract, which was announced Tuesday, will become guaranteed only if he reports to spring training at 209 pounds or less. If he reports at over 209 pounds, the Dodgers can release him and owe only termination pay.

Los Angeles acquired Belliard from the Washington Nationals on Aug. 30, and the veteran immediately assumed a key role in their infield. Starting 10 games at second base and nine at third base, he batted .351 with 17 RBIs in 24 games down the stretch while Los Angeles won the NL West.

Belliard also started all eight of the Dodgers' playoff games, batting .300.

"Ronnie was a tremendous asset to us at the end of last year in both a starting role and off the bench," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said.

He can earn an additional $250,000 under his new deal: $50,000 each for 350, 400, 450, 500 and 550 plate appearances.

Catcher Brad Ausmus also decided to remain with the Dodgers, agreeing to a one-year contract that guarantees $1 million.

"Brad provided us with a very strong presence off the bench last season, and his contributions were many, both on and off the field," Colletti said.

The 40-year-old batted .295 with nine RBIs in 36 games as Russell Martin's backup last season. Ausmus, who returns for his 18th major league season, gets $850,000 this year and the Dodgers hold a $1 million option for 2011 with a $150,000 buyout.

He can earn $100,000 more per year in performance bonuses: $25,000 each for 150, 175, 200 and 225 plate appearances.