PHOTO: Dog Guards Dead Victim's Body After Oklahoma Tornado Disaster
Man Reportedly Beheaded In Brutal Assault In London Neighborhood
After a few efforts over the second half of the season, the Angels were able to re-sign outfielder Bobby Abreu on Thursday, locking up the first of many potential free agents on thier roster.According to a major league source, Abreu will get $9 million in 2010 and 2011. There is a $1 million buyout on a $9 million option for 2012, but Abreu can guarantee the third year with a certain number of plate appearances.
"We are excited to have Bobby and the presence he brings to our organization," said general manager Tony Reagins in a prepared statement. "He was an integral part of what we accomplished in 2009 and we look forward to his contributions both on and off the field."
Despite Abreu's freakishly consistent performance -- he's played in at least 151 games in every season since 1998 and had at least 100 RBI in every year since 2003 -- he had trouble finding work last winter, settling for a one-year, $5 million deal just days before pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.
Abreu's age, he'll turn 36 next spring training, and a saturated corner outfield market impacted his value then, but his very tangible impact on the Angels lineup, including on many of his teammates, earned him much more job security now.
Known for his discerning batting eye and the way he works opposing pitchers, Abreu was a central figure in a dramatically improved Los Angeles offense in 2009. The Angels went from 10th in the American League in runs scored in 2008 to second in 2009, and instead of bowing out in the Division Series again reached the sixth game of the ALCS before being eliminated by the Yankees.
"I am very happy to sign this contract," said Abreu. "I really enjoyed my first season with the club. The Angels are a solid organization, with an outstanding team and great fans. With the talent we have, I look forward to the opportunity of postseason competition once again."
Reagins will now have to turn his attention to his club's other free agents, including staff ace John Lackey and leadoff man Chone Figgins, who led the AL in walks this season.
Eric Holder Personally Approved Controversial Fox News Warrant
Boy Scouts To Allow Gay Youths
Obama Lays Out New Drone Policy
Senate Confirms Key Obama Nominee As Filibuster Fight Looms
WATCH: Heckler Hijacks Obama Speech On Drones, Gitmo
Change For Key IRS Scandal Figure, Reports Say
Jodi Arias Jury DEADLOCKED
This Major Stock Collapse Is A Serious Warning For The U.S.
Obama Tries To Have It Both Ways On 'Perpetual War' Law
Brave Woman Stood Down Armed London Attackers
Could Miscarriages Become Criminal?
Horror In Bethesda
Tom Coburn Ratchets Down Opposition To Tornado Relief Bill
Killed Soldier In London Attack Identified
LISTEN: Terror Inside Elementary School As Tornado Hits
More Than 100 Conservative Economists Say Immigration Reform Will Help Economy
Imams Visit Auschwitz, Pray For Holocaust Victims
Farm State Senator Defends 'Monsanto Protection Act'
PHOTO: Weiner Website Uses PITTSBURGH's Skyline, Not NYC's
McAfee Denies Murder: 'Not My Style'
Pelosi Blames Bush For Major Scandal
Blankfein: Financial Crisis Provided An 'Opportunity' For Goldman
Lawmaker: 'Medical Marijuana Saved My Life'
WATCH: Police Force Shows Up To Support 5-Year-Old Who Lost Her Dad
WATCH: Jon Stewart Shuts Down Bill O'Reilly
NOAA Releases 2013 Hurricane Season Predictions
KKK Rally Exposed
New Trayvon Martin Evidence Features Incriminating Photos, Texts From Teen
Murkowski Pours Cold Water On Possible Palin Comeback
