The Oakland A's today announced that they have agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Joe Kennedy on a one-year contract for the 2006 season. The A's also announced that catcher John Baker was claimed on waivers by the Florida Marlins.

Kennedy was acquired by the A's from Colorado at the All-Star Break last year and was 4-5 with a 4.45 ERA in 19 games, eight starts, with Oakland. He also went 4-8 with a 7.04 ERA in 16 starts with the Rockies. The 26-year old Kennedy posted a 3.00 ERA in 11 relief appearances with the A's before replacing the injured Rich Harden in the starting rotation. He was 2-5 with a 5.06 ERA in his eight starting assignments with Oakland.

Baker hit .234 with five home runs and 41 RBI in 103 games at Triple-A Sacramento last year. He was designated for assignment on December 5 when the A's acquired Chad Gaudin from Toronto.

Kennedy was the first of eight arbitration eligible players on the A's roster to agree to terms on a contract for the 2006 season. The remaining seven players are right-handed pitchers Kiko Calero and Juan Cruz, catcher Adam Melhuse, infielder Mark Ellis and outfielders Hiram Bocachica, Milton Bradley and Bobby Kielty.