Abreu Gets BIG Deal

Outfielder Bobby Abreu signed the richest contract in Philadelphia Phillies history, agreeing Wednesday to a $64 million, five-year extension with a team option that could make the deal worth $78 million. The contract was announced five days after third baseman Scott Rolen publicly criticized Phillies management for what he called a lack of commitment to winning. "I'm very happy about this agreement," Abreu said during the Phillies' first full-squad workout. "I think this contract is very important for the organization and my teammates."

Rolen rejected a $140 million, 10-year offer and says he will become a free agent after the season. He said he feared the club would lose Abreu and other players such as Doug Glanville, Pat Burrell and Mike Lieberthal.

"This was not a move designed to rebut whatever's been said over the last few days," Phillies general manager Ed Wade said. "This is part of a commitment that was made a long time ago – to get good and stay good. The reality is we are committed to keeping this core group together and putting a championship club on the field in Philadelphia."

Abreu, 27, is getting $6 million in 2002, the final season of a $14.25 million, three-year contract, and was eligible for free agency after the 2003 season. The new deal calls for a $3 million signing bonus and salaries of $8.5 million in 2003, $10 million in 2004, $12.5 million in 2005, $13 million in 2006 and $15 million in 2007.

Philadelphia has a $16 million option for 2008 with a $2 million buyout.

Abreu is a career .307 hitter in five-plus major league seasons. He hit .289 last season with 110 RBIs, 31 homers and 36 steals, making him the Phillies' first 30-30 man. His 83 extra-base hits were the most by a Phillies player since Hall of Famer Chuck Klein had 103 in 1932.

Negotiations began in January, when Wade and assistant GM Ruben Amaro Jr. flew to Venezuela to meet with Abreu at his home in Aragua.

"I don't know if I can buy Venezuela, but I think I can buy a lot of things," Abreu said.

Abreu is a little behind this spring because he had an appendectomy on Feb. 4. He visited a doctor Wednesday morning, was told he's making progress and participated in some drills during practice.

"He'll probably be a little bit behind for a few days," manager Larry Bowa said. "Maybe he won't be able to do a few stomach exercises."

A big reason Abreu was willing to commit to the Phillies long-term is the club is leaving Veterans Stadium for a new ballpark in 2004.

"That means a lot," Abreu said. "I think the new stadium means a lot to me. I'm so excited about it. I want to be a part of the team that's going to play opening day in that stadium and I hope to play the rest of my career in that stadium."

Article continues below

---

advertisement

---

Author: 6 ABC-AP