Halos ink Abreu to two-year deal

November 5, 8:36 PMLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim ExaminerWilliam Martinez

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The Angels didn't take long to remove one of their free agents from the open market, signing veteran outfielder Bobby Abreu to a two-year, $19 million deal on Thursday afternoon.

The contract includes an option year for 2012 at $9 million that would become guaranteed if the 35-year-old outfielder racks up 550 plate appearances in 2011 or a combined 1,200 plate appearances during the initial two years.

Abreu figures to get that third year guaranteed, as he has compiled at least 600 plate appearances in 11 straight years. In his first season in Anaheim, he hit .293 with 15 home runs, 103 RBI, 30 stolen bases and a .390 on-base percentage while primarily batting second in a loaded Angels lineup.

During a phone interview with the AP, Abreu said that his comfort with the organization was a key to getting the deal done quickly.

“I really feel happy here with Los Angeles,” Abreu said “I really enjoy to play for them, and I think when they started with the conversation for the contract and we didn’t have any problems back and forth, it was a nice negotiation. It was no problem to stay and come back with the Angels.”

Last season, Abreu filed for free agency after two-plus seasons with the New York Yankees, but got caught in the middle of a depressed free agent market due to the recession.

His misfortune ended up being good luck for the Halos, who signed Abreu to a one-year, $5 million contract just before spring training. The deal ended up being the bargain of the year, as he was credited with helping to make the Angels a more patient team at the plate.

As a team, the Halos hit a major-league best .285 and set franchise records for hits(1.604), runs (883) and RBI (841). His influence also had a profound influence on both Torii Hunter and Chone Figgins.

Hunter hit .299 with 22 home runs and 90 RBI despite missing a month due to injuries sustained while running down fly balls during a season that should land him yet another Gold Glove. Figgins, meanwhile, hit 298 and drew an AL-best 101 walks in the leadoff spot.

The signing of Abreu leaves the Angels with six free agents: Figgins, outfielder Vladimir Guerrero, starting pitchers John Lackey and Kelvim Escobar, relief pitcher Darren Oliver and reserve infielder Robb Quinlan.