TORONTO, Aug. 14 -- Two years ago, the Oakland Athletics made a shrewd move in acquiring Terrence Long. Now, the red-hot Athletics likely have made another one by locking up the outfielder through the 2005 season.
Long, who is enjoying another strong season after finishing second in the 2000 American League Rookie of the Year voting, signed a four-year contract extension on Tuesday. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Long, 25, is batting .275 with 29 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs and 63 RBI. He also leads the team with 34 multiple-hit games and is tied with Jason Giambi for most multiple-RBI games with 15. He was acquired from the New York Mets on July 23, 1999 with pitcher Leo Vasquez for pitcher Kenny Rogers.
While Rogers pitched erratically in his brief tenure with the Mets, Long hit .288 with 18 homers and 80 RBI as a rookie last season. The Alabama native compiled a 17-game hitting streak, the longest by a rookie in 2000.
The signing of Long gives the Athletics eight players signed through at least next season.
