The Associated Press

ARLINGTON, Texas - All-Star reliever Ugueth Urbina signed a one-year deal Sunday with the Texas Rangers, who need a closer.

Urbina was 1-6 with 40 saves and a 3.00 ERA for Boston last season. He became a free agent when the Red Sox didn't offer him arbitration.

Urbina was an All-Star last season for the second time, helped by a streak of 19 straight saves from April12-July3. He tied for third in the American League in saves, converting 40 of 46 and holding batters to a .202 average, sixth lowest in the league.

"He's a guy that takes on that responsibility," Rangers manager Buck Showalter said. "He understands what's expected of him. He knows his role and what it takes to be successful."

Hideki Irabu led Texas with 16 saves last season, but he was released. Francisco Cordero had 10 saves and will be groomed as an eventual closer.

GIANTS: Former Gold Glove infielder Neifi Perez signed a two-year contract with San Francisco, which claimed him off waivers from the Kansas City Royals last month.

Perez, a shortstop who also can play second base or third, gives the Giants some versatility in their new infield that no longer has David Bell at third or Jeff Kent at second.

Perez hit .236 with 37 RBI in 2002. Kansas City acquired Perez, the 2000 NL Gold Glove winner at shortstop for the Colorado Rockies, during the 2001 season.

ROCKIES: Colorado added depth to its pitching staff by signing right-hander Scott Elarton to a one-year contract.

Elarton, who missed last season after having shoulder surgery, will be guaranteed the major league minimum $300,000. He could make more $1 million with incentive clauses.