The Boston Red Sox avoided arbitration with right-hander Brendan Donnelly yesterday by agreeing to a one-year, $1.4-million contract. The deal also calls for bonuses of $25,000 each if he finishes 25 games and 30 games. Donnelly, who made $950,000 last season, sought $1.65 million and the Red Sox offered $1.15 million. The 35-year-old reliever was acquired last month from the Angels in exchange for rookie left-hander Phil Seibel. Donnelly was 6-0 with a 3.94 E.R.A. in 62 games last season.

His best year was 2003, when he allowed only two earned runs in his first 50 innings and was the winning pitcher in the AL's 7-6 victory over the NL in the All-Star game. He finished the season with a 1.58 ERA and a career-high three saves.Robinson Cano is switching numbers just in case Roger Clemens joins the New York Yankees, giving up No. 22 and taking No. 24. "He asked for that personally," Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo said yesterdayTuesday. Clemens left the Yankees after the 2003 season and spent the last three years with his hometown Houston Astros. He is likely to pitch this season, agent Randy Hendricks said, and will choose among the Astros, Yankees and Boston Red Sox, his original team.