Angels Re-sign Abreu; Outfielder Receives Two-Year Pact

Anaheim, CA (AHN) – The Los Angeles Angels locked Bobby Abreu through 2011 Thursday, re-signing the veteran outfielder to a two-year, $19 million contract.

The deal is reportedly for $9 million a year, including the club option.

As a result, Abreu, 35, regarded as the Angels’ most valuable performer in 2009, will not be testing the free-agent market in the meantime.

Abreu finished the 2009 season by hitting .293 with 96 runs, 29 doubles, three triples and 15 home runs in 152 games.

He also posted 103 RBI and 30 stolen bases last season, becoming the fifth player in MLB history with at least 30 steals and 100 RBIs in five seasons.

Abreu led the way for the Angels, who posted an MLB-best .297 average with runners in scoring position, batting .354 in those situations.

He also joined Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez for the longest active streak in the Major Leagues after reaching the 100 RBI mark for the seventh consecutive season.

After spending 2 1-2 years with the New York Yankees, Abreu agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal with the Angels in Feb. 2009.

Meanwhile, six Angels players which include Chone Figgins, John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero, Darren Oliver, Robb Quinlan and Kelvim Escobar are eligible to file for free agency.