Angels, Bobby Abreu agree to two-year deal (UPDATED)

The Angels agreed to a two-year deal that includes a club option for 2012 with veteran outfielder Bobby Abreu.

The deal is for $9 million a year, including the club option, and includes performance bonuses that could make it worth $19 million the first two seasons. The option is guaranteed if Abreu reaches 550 plate appearances in 2011 or 1,200 plate appearances combined in 2010-11. The deal gives the Angels an option of a $1-million buyout for 2012.

“We are excited to have Bobby and the presence he brings to our organization,” said Angels GM Tony Reagins. “He was an integral part of what we accomplished in 2009 and we look forward to his contributions both on and off the field.”

Abreu, 35, joined the Angels on a one-year deal just before the start of spring training last season and batted .293 with 96 runs, 29 doubles, three triples, 15 home runs, 103 RBI and 30 stolen bases in 152 games.

"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."

-- Houston Mitchell

Photo: credit: Christopher Hanewinckel / US Presswire

Comments

[Dru]

He turned down a 2 yr, $16mil deal earlier. I wonder if this contract is lower or higher?

[David Reynolds]

Per club policy, no financial terms will be announced. When did this start? I get a little worried when an owner starts trying to get to secretive. This information is going to come out anyway right?

[Bob]

Yay!!

[Chilli_Dawg_24]

I think it was the thrid year with a option and a buyout tha reeled him in. As far as club policy I think this means everything will be disclosed as soon as he signs on the dotted line.

[Joey]

It was 2 years 19 mil

[Paul M. Mock]

BRAVO! Great start on the 1st day after the Series. Keep it going, Tony!!!!

[alwaysatrojan84]

I don't care what they are paying him it was a great move, one down several to go.

[Vince]

Yessir, one down and three to go. Keep up the good work Tony!

[mike]

Awesome news. Glad they got it out of the way early.

[Grandpa]

It's $19 million for two years. Not worth it.

[Andre]

Great job on Abreu. Tony is Da Man. Forget about the rest of the Angel free agents and start courting Jason Bay. He wants the west coast. The remaining Angel FA's are not worth the money. Give Brandon Wood a shot at 25+ home runs next year. We just need a lock down pitcher to head the pitching staff. We can't afford to have the other team throw their number 1 pitcher at us three times in one series and expect to win. Give Seattle a few of the farm hands for Mr. Hernandez.

[alan]

2 years with a 3rd year club option, perfect! it's great to see a player agree to a contract so quickly instead of milking the club for every last penny. another reason to like Abreu

[avalon]

Great first step. In my opinion if I'm GM, here's what they need:

Abreu - done!

Guerrero - if we can sign him for cheap, I'll do it. People say he's too old, slowing down, etc., but I believe he's still a force to be reckoned with. He didn't do that bad in the playoffs, which tells me he still has a few years to go. Let him retire an Angel, but if he's asking ridiculous $$$, then its not worth it. I'd say 2-yr at $6M-$9M a year with a club option. He's a perfect DH, and I'd make him bat 5th or 6th, kind of like David Ortiz

Figgins - as much as I love him, we don't need to resign him, unless we can sign him for cheap, which is unrealistic. Brandon Wood needs a chance at 3B, and if Wood doesn't pan out, then we have Maicer Izturis as backup (imagine Izturis+Kendrick in the infield. Not bad at all). Abreu or Aybar can take over at the leadoff spot
Oliver - if he doesn't retire, I'll try to resign him. Otherwise, we need to bring another LHP reliever, maybe Schoenweis.

Lackey - I'd do everything I can to sign him, but not the same amount as C.C. Sabathia. I think he's worth 5-6yr, $80M-$90M, but definitely not $100M

Other needs:
Bullpen - No guarantee Shields is back in top form. Same with Arredondo. Jepsen did well, but can pull an Arredondo as well. I have no problem with Fuentes, but good to have a backup. A strong LHP reliever and a power arm RHP reliever is good.

Bench - I don't see Quinlan resigning. Freddy Sandoval or Matt Brown are unproven, but I'll give them a chance. Also we need a veteran bench player/utility player in case Wood doesn't live up to expectations. Also expect Matthews to be moved, so we might need another OF here, although I'll be happy with Willits as the 5th outfielder

Starting pitching - Lets be realistic: If we want Halladay, expect to give up Kendrick+Chatwood+Aybar+Wood. Blue Jays aren't dumb and they know they can get whoever they want for Halladay. They won't be settling for our 2nd-tier prospects. That's why its important to sign Lackey if we can.

[356man]

We got Abreu, now get Lackey and Figgy. Vlad, only on the cheap, he is definitely a risk for more than two, maybe only one, year(s).

[Carlos]

I agree with your sentiments avalon. We definitely need Vlad back. He wants to stay here, and I'm sure he won't be asking for a ridiculous contract. Something along the lines of 2 years $16M should get it done. Otherwise we go after Jason Bay or Matt Holliday.

Lackey is our ace, and no one in our rotation comes close to his intensity. He's a gamer who doesn't get intimidated or rattled easily.

We need at least a new arm in our pen. Hopefully we can convince Darren Oliver to stay for 1 more year. And if Shields and Arredondo rebound next year, we should have a very formidable pen. Bulger, Jepsen and Palmer are all decent and had nice seasons. If Fuentes doesn't cut it next season and Shields is back to his old self, we make Shields our closer!

I love Figgy, but I'm sure he's going to be asking for a huge contract, and frankly Brandon Wood deserves a shot. Where would we be without Kendry Morales? Thank God he got his shot! The only way I attempt to resign Figgy is if we trade Brandon Wood in a package deal for a Roy Halladay.

Lastly, bring back Kelvim Escobar! He's someone who has been hurt the last couple of seasons, but if healthy he could be an incredible asset to the pen or as a spot starter. I can't see him asking for anything more than a minor league deal.

[Carlos]

One more thing... trade GARY MATTHEWS JR. ASAP!!

[avalon]

I think Tony will do his best to move Matthews. Question is will there be any takers. I'd be more than happy to trade Matthews for someone's 2nd or 3rd tier prospects, knowing we probably won't get equal value for him (unless we pull a miracle trade, ala Guillen for Rivera+Izturis). If we keep Figgy, I agree lets move Wood. However, b/c Wood hasn't shown he can cut it in the big leagues, I doubt we can get anyone good for him unless we package another top prospect. I really think the only way we can get Halladay is if we package Tyler Chatwood and Erick Aybar, those are a must for them I would think. I would go for Jason Bay or Matt Holliday if we can move Juan Rivera for bullpen help.

[S]

Excellent news...I hope it would include a provision for him to become a hitting instructor in our organization also when he retires

[jr]

All this "Brandon Wood deserves his shot" baloney. You have to earn your place on a good team. Do no tlook at Wood and see Kendry, who was who was going to find his way into the lineup no matter what. I look at Wood and see Macpherson, and will be shocked if he turns out any differently. Make him earn it and there will be no need to second guess.