Bobby Hill, who joined the Pirates two years ago as a player to be named, yesterday was traded to the San Diego Padres for a player to be named.

Hill, 27, became a Pirate Aug. 15, 2003 -- three weeks after the deal that sent Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton to the Chicago Cubs for Jose Hernandez, minor-league pitcher Matt Bruback and a player to be named.

Hill, the Pirates' opening day starter at second base in 2004, batted .266 that season. He had 16 pinch-hits, three short of the club's single season record.

In 2005, Hill batted .269 in 58 games, then was sent to Class AAA Indianapolis July 22, two years to the day after the Ramirez-Lofton trade.

The Pirates did not bring Hill back to the major leagues in September, a clear signal that his days with the organization were numbered.

Last Friday, when the Pirates set their 40-man winter roster, they designated Hill for assignment, meaning they had 10 days in which to either trade him or release him. It's likely the Pirates will receive a minor-league prospect for Hill from the Padres.

Mariners

Catcher Kenji Jojima and Seattle have agreed to a $16.5 million, three-year contract. Jojima will be the first Japanese catcher to play in the major leagues. He visited Seattle Nov. 11-14 and met with Mariners executives. He also toured the city to assess its suitability for his family. "We had a chance to acquire offense at a premium position and we went after it aggressively," general manager Bill Bavasi said.

Rangers

Texas' pursuit of Florida ace Josh Beckett has ended despite the team's apparent willingness to trade All-Star third baseman Hank Blalock and a top pitching prospect.

Elsewhere

The Hall of Fame's doors will remain shut to Pete Rose, who won't appear on the baseball writers' ballot in his final year of eligibility. Commissioner Bud Selig will not rule on Rose's application for reinstatement before the 2006 ballot is released Nov. 29. ... Minnie Minoso and Buck O'Neil were among 39 candidates selected by a screening committee to appear on special Negro Leagues and pre-Negro Leagues ballots for election to the Hall of Fame. The Hall said that a 12-man selection committee will meet Feb. 27 in Tampa, Fla. Thirty people will be on the Negro leagues ballot and nine on the pre-Negro leagues ballot, and to gain election a candidate must receive at least 75 percent of the ballots cast. ... Jeff Cirillo will stay with the Milwaukee Brewers, agreeing to an $850,000, one-year contract. ... Eric Young agreed to a $700,000, one-year contract with the San Diego Padres.