PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- Bobby Abreu, who recently underwent an appendectomy, has gotten some financial
security from the Philadelphia Phillies to the tune of five years for a reported $60 million.
According to an ESPN report, the deal, which contains an option for a sixth year that could push its value to almost $80 million, will be announced Wednesday.
The 28-year-old Abreu, an outstanding right fielder, was in the final year of a three-year,
$14.25 million contract that was slated to pay him $6 million this season. But he was not eligible for free agency until after the 2003 season.
Abreu may not be able to fully enjoy his new-found wealth as he continues to recover from an emergency an emergency appendectomy earlier this month. He is expected to report to training camp later this month.
Abreu is coming off a season in which he hit .289 and set career highs with 31 homers, 110 RBI and 36 stolen bases. He was the
first player in franchise history to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in the same season.
The signing of Abreu to a long-term deal may be an attempt to send a signal to third baseman Scott Rolen, who has turned down
a lucrative long-term deal, saying he doesn't think the team can be competitive in the National League East. He has cited the team's
unwillingness to spend money in order to compete.
Abreu, a lifetime .307 hitter, has a career on-base percentage of .408, trailing only Barry Bonds, Jeff Bagwell and Brian Giles
among National League players with at least 2,800 plate appearances.
