Yankees pick up Abreu's contract

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NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- The New York Yankees Friday picked up their $16 million signing option on outfielder Bobby Abreu for the 2008 season.

The team said on its Web site it had until midnight Friday to exercise the option or offer the 33-year-old Abreu a $2 million contract buyout.

The 2008 season will be Abreu's second full campaign with AL East club after he was acquired from Philadelphia in a six-player deal in July 2006.

In the 2007 season, he batted .283 with 16 home runs and 101 RBI. He scored a career-high 123 runs.

"Bobby Abreu possesses a unique skill set and has proven to be a durable and reliable asset to this club," said Yankees’ 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."

In his 12-year career, Abreu is batting .300 with 221 homers and 984 RBI in 5,881 at-bats.