The Marlins liked Wes Helms so much that they signed him as a free agent one time and traded for him another. Now they've decided to keep the union intact, agreeing to a two-year, $1.9 million contract for the hard-nosed backup infielder.

''After doing a great job for us in 2006, we welcomed Wes back to the Marlins this year and he again strengthened our bench and was a positive influence in the clubhouse,'' said Larry Beinfest, the Marlins' president of baseball operations. ``We look forward to Wes being part of highly productive Marlins clubs in 2009 and 2010.''

Helms, 32, had informed the Marlins before the end of the season that he wanted to remain with the club.

A veteran of 10 major-league seasons, Helms hit .243 with five home runs after the Marlins obtained him in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies in April. He was used as a pinch-hitter, spot starter and defensive replacement at the corner infield spots.

As a pinch-hitter, Helms went 13 for 41 (.317) with two home runs, including a go-ahead blast in the season finale Sunday that snapped a 2-2 tie and helped eliminate the Mets from postseason contention.

Helms also played for the Marlins in 2006 before signing a two-year deal with the Phillies.

-- CLARK SPENCER

AND BARRY JACKSON

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