Major League Baseball

Eric Hinske, Diamondbacks agree to 1-year deal

Published Dec. 4, 2012 10:29 p.m. ET

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Free agent Eric Hinske agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

While the deal was not announced, Diamondbacks manager Kirk Gibson discussed it at the winter meetings.

''Just a veteran guy, left-handed bat, mostly thinking about bench for him,'' Gibson said. ''He's got experience, understands how to read people, a little first base probably, but he probably could go third or outfield in a pinch in an extra-inning game. His mentality is somewhat one that I can relate to, very intense. I like that.''

A veteran of 11 major league seasons, Hinske spent the last three years with the Atlanta Braves. He hit .197 with two homers and 13 RBIs in 132 at-bats this year, seeing time at first base, left field and right field.

''We were not very good in late or in-close leverage situations,'' Gibson said. ''And I think as you analyze that, that's a lot of mentality involved in that, and you have to develop a certain approach in those situations and trust it. And I've watched him over his career, and I think he's a guy that can help us as a team, as well.''