D-Backs Reach Deals with Montero and Roberts

(Reuters) - The Arizona Diamondbacks avoided arbitration with two players by agreeing to one-year contracts with All-Star catcher Miguel Montero and infielder Ryan Roberts, the team said on Tuesday.

Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed but reports on Major League Baseball's website said Montero will earn $5.9 million in 2012 and Roberts will make $2 million.

Montero's agreement came moments before the Venezuelan was scheduled to have an arbitration hearing.

I was sitting in the (hearing) room, Montero told MLB.com by phone from Tampa, Florida. I was getting a bottle of water right before it was supposed to start and they told me to step outside to talk.

Montero, 28, led National League catchers in doubles (36) and runs batted in (84) and was second in home runs (18) last season while hitting .282.

He had sought $6.8 million for the upcoming season while the Diamondbacks had offered $5.4 million.

Roberts, 31, set career highs in virtually all offensive categories in 2011, hitting .249 with 25 doubles, 19 home runs, 65 runs batted in, 18 stolen bases and 86 runs scored.