The Rockies and Garrett Atkins avoided arbitration by agreeing on a one-year contract worth $4,387,500.

That comes out to almost a 1,100% pay raise from the $400,000 Atkins earned last season. He can also earn over $100,000 in incentives.

Among them: $50,000 for a Silver Slugger, $25,000 for an all-star appearance and up to $92,500 for 700 plate appearances. That's $17,500 for 600, 625 and 650. An additional $20,000 for 675 and 700.

That should give Atkins plenty of motivation. An all-star appearance is certainly possible, but with David Wright in the league, you know where the Silver Slugger is likely headed. Still, that's an attainable goal for him to shoot for. (more…)

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