01/12/2007 8:33 PM ET Club avoids arbitration with pair of one-year deals By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com PHOENIX -- The D-backs signed pitchers Juan Cruz and Jorge Julio to one-year contracts on Friday, avoiding salary arbitration with both. Julio, 27, was acquired by the D-backs from the Mets in exchange for Orlando Hernandez on May 24 and took over the closer's role from Jose Valverde for a time. The right-hander picked up 15 saves while going 1-2 with a 3.83 ERA in 44 games in Arizona. Julio, who has 99 career saves, will earn $3.6 million, an increase from the $2.5 million he made last year. He heads into Spring Training as one of Arizona's setup men but could push Valverde for the closer's job if Valverde struggles. Cruz, 28, joined the D-backs during the final week of Spring Training after being acquired from the A's in exchange for lefty Brad Halsey. The right-hander made 15 starts and 16 relief appearances for Arizona. As a starter, he was 5-6 with a 4.44 ERA. Out of the bullpen, he did not have a decision and had a 3.32 ERA. Cruz is expected to compete for the No. 5 spot in the rotation this spring. The D-backs have five players eligible for salary arbitration -- pitchers Doug Davis, Brandon Lyon and Valverde along with second baseman Orlando Hudson and outfielder Eric Byrnes. --

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