YANKEES EXERCISE 2008 OPTION ON OUTFIELDER BOBBY ABREU
The New York Yankees announced today that they have exercised their 2008 club option on the contract of outfielder Bobby Abreu.
The 33-year-old Abreu batted .283 (171-for-605) with 40 doubles, 16 home runs, 101 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 158 games with the Yankees in 2007. He scored a career-high 123 runs to rank second in the American League, and his 90 hits with two strikes led the Majors. From July 1 to August 22, Abreu recorded 52 RBI in 46 games, batting .354 (63-for-178) with 11 home runs.
Abreu has driven in at least 100 runs in five consecutive seasons and has totaled at least 20 stolen bases in nine straight campaigns, the longest current streak in the Majors. He has played in at least 150 games in each of the last 10 seasons and—according to the Elias Sports Bureau—is only the 10th player in Major League history to accomplish the feat. He needs just four stolen bases to become just the 12th player since 1950 to total 400 doubles, 200 home runs and 300 stolen bases for their career.
“Bobby Abreu possesses a unique skill set and has proven to be a durable and reliable asset to this club,” said Yankees Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Cashman. “Consistency has been a hallmark throughout his career, and we are excited to work with him again as we look forward to the 2008 season.”
Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent on August 21, 1990, by the Houston Astros, the Venezuelan-born Abreu was acquired by the Yankees from the Philadelphia Phillies on July 30, 2006. He joined the Yankees with right-handed pitcher Cory Lidle in exchange for right-handed pitcher Carlos Monasterios, left-handed pitcher Matt Smith, infielder C.J. Henry and catcher Jesus Sanchez. He signed a five-year contract with a club option for a sixth year on February 20, 2002.