Phillies agree with Pence, sign Pierre

The Phillies avoided arbitration with outfielder Hunter Pence on Friday, signing him to a one-year deal worth $10.4 million. The team also inked veteran outfielder Juan Pierre to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Pence, who was acquired from the Houston Astros on July 29, hit .324 with 11 home runs, 12 doubles and knocked in 35 runs in 54 games for the NL East-champion Phillies.

He led the club with a .394 on-base mark and .560 slugging percentage following the deal.

All told, the 28-year-old Pence batted .314 and collected 22 homers, 38 doubles and 97 RBI in 154 games.

In a five-game playoff loss to St. Louis, his first postseason venture, Pence hit a paltry .211 and knocked in four runs over 19 at-bats.

Pierre, 34, finished 2011 with a .279 average, two home runs, 17 doubles and 50 RBI in 158 games for the Chicago White Sox. He added 27 stolen bases, bringing his total to 554 career swipes -- most among active players -- along with four triples and 80 runs scored.

Entering his 13th pro season, the native of Mobile, Alabama is a lifetime .296 hitter who has collected 16 homers, 234 doubles, 86 triples and 484 RBI over 1,751 contests for the Rockies, Marlins, Cubs, Dodgers and ChiSox.