Naperville native Scott Hairston and the San Diego Padres avoided arbitration on Thursday and agreed to a one-year, $1.25 million contract. The day before his brother Jerry Hairston Jr. resigned with the Cincinnati Reds for one year at $2 million.

Last year Scott Hairston hit .248 with 17 home runs and 31 RBIs in 112 games. His season ended in late August after tearing a ligament in his left thumb. According to Tom Krasovic's Union-Tribune blog, the deal comes amid much economic uncertainty in San Diego. The franchise is up for sale, though former Arizona Diamondbacks managing partner Jeff Moorad and his investment group have emerged as a potential buyer.

Krasovic writes: Hairston, 28, is the seventh player signed by the Padres for 2009. The club has guaranteed more than $31 million to those seven and still must sign 33 other players as it attempts to meet a $40 million payroll mandated by owner John Moores.