Milwaukee Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin continued his streak of avoiding arbitration hearings by signing JJ Hardy to a one-year, $4.65 million contract on Monday.

Hardy is in his second year of arbitration, and earned a $2 million raise over his salary in 2008.

Hardy, 26, has turned into one of the best shortstops in the National League. He has a cannon for an arm in the field, has above-average range, and has turned into a dangerous hitter.

Hardy has hit 50 home runs over the last two seasons and shown more power than anyone ever expected out of him. Hardy has been most productive as the number-two hitter for the Brewers, but was moved down to the five-hole for the last two weeks of the season and during the playoffs.

Hardy is as important a part of the Brewers as any other player on the team. He provides a consistent bat and outstanding glove at a premium position. $4.65 million for Hardy in 2009 is a bargain. I guessed he would make around $6 million in 2009, so the Brewers are doing a great job by saving almost $1.5 million in payroll on Hardy.

Milwaukee still has five players eligible for arbitration: Prince Fielder, Rickie Weeks, Corey Hart, Dave Bush, and Seth McClung. Fielder is almost certain to go to an arbitration hearing, while the others are likely to sign before a hearing takes place.

If Melvin can get the rest of the players signed at reasonable prices like he did with Hardy, the Brewers should be set-up to add payroll in the middle of the season if they are in playoff contention.