SARASOTA, Fla., Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sean
Casey, who avoided arbitration by signing a one-year contract last month, has agreed to terms on a three-year extension through the 2005 season.
Financial terms were not released, but the contract contains a club option for 2006.
Casey, 27, who would have been eligible for
free agency after the 2004 season, signed a one-year deal on Jan. 8.
He is coming off his second All-Star season, hitting .310 with 13 home runs and 89 RBI in 145 games in 2001. He led the team in games, (145), runs (69), hits (165), doubles (40), RBI, road batting average (.339) and hitting with runners in scoring position (.356).
Entering the 2002 season, Casey's career batting average of .311 ranks 10th among active players. Over the last three seasons,he has averaged 19 homers and 91 RBI with a .319 batting average.
The Reds also announced the resignation of first base coach Ken Griffey Sr., who has accepeted a position as a special consultant to the general manger. Griffey, the father of Reds outfielder superstar Ken Griffey Jr., has been on the Cincinnati staff the last five seasons.
Jose Cardenal, who was hired as a special consultant by Reds in August, will take over as first base coach. Cardenal, a former outfielder who played 18 seasons, has been a first-base coach for several teams, including the Reds in 1993.
