Pronunciation
Last name is pronounced "IS-turis".

Current Contract
Signed a one-year contract for $2.8 million on November 30, 2007.

In addition to his base salary, Izturis can earn $650,000 in performance bonuses: $100,000 each for 400 and 450 plate appearances, and $150,000 each for 500, 550 and 600 plate appearances.

Became a Cardinal
Free agent signing November 30, 2007

2008 Season
The Cardinals got the upgrade in defense at short they were hoping for in Izturis, though they would have liked to have seen a little more offense than the line of .263/.319/.309 (BA/OBP/SLG), even though his offensive numbers were up from 2007. His 24 stolen bases, the most stolen bases he has had since his 25 SBs in 2004, led the club and was the closest thing St. Louis had to a "Running Redbird" in 2008.

2007 Season
The switch-hitting Izturis batted .258 in 110 games last season with the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates. He hit .276 with the Pirates after being acquired on July 19.

Career Notes
Izturis has a career batting average of .260. His best offensive season was 2004, when he batted .288 with a career-high 32 doubles, four home runs, 25 steals and 62 RBIs.

Player Awards
Gold Glove in 2004
NL All-Star in 2005

Photo: MLB Photos