PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia Phillies Monday inked veteran catcher Mike Lieberthal, whose power can sometimes be devastating, to a lucrative contract extension.
Terms were not made public, but reports indicate he got a three-year deal worth a guaranteed $22.25 million.
The Phillies have a 2006 buyout at $1.25 million.
"It was a pretty easy contract to sign," Lieberthal said. "It's nice to have another large contract, but I'm a veteran guy in my 30s and the focus is on winning. I truly believe we have a chance, with the talent we have."
He will get $7.25 million in 2003 and $7.5 million in 2004 and '05. A 2006 club option worth $7.5 million kicks in if Lieberthal meets any of three milestones: 1,200 total at-bats over the next three years, 850 at-bats over the final two years of the contract, or 475 at-bats in the final year. That would bring the total value of the deal to $29.75 million.
"We're getting a glimpse of what he's like," said Manager Larry Bowa. "I think we can expect a whole season of the way he's played in the last month and a half. I'm not saying he's gonna hit 40 home runs, but there's no reason he shouldn't hit 25, drive in close to 100 runs and take control of a young pitching staff."
Lieberthal, 30, already was earning $7 million this season, and is quickly approaching the 500 plate appearances needed to vest a $7.25 salary for 2003. The extension will override that option.
The 6-0, 195-pounder has rapidly returned to his All-Star form of 1999, when he hit .300 with 31 home runs. He missed most of the 2001 season after tearing the three major ligaments in his right knee in a game against Arizona.
He was slow to recover this season and was hitting just .239 entering play June 20, the one-year anniversary of his surgery.
Manager Larry Bowa and others have said all along that it takes almost a full year to recover from such an injury.
Lieberthal had two hits June 20 and hasn't looked back. Overall, he's hitting .292 with 14 home runs and 46 RBI, with half of the homers coming in a 12-game stretch in which he hit .388 (19-for-49).
He was the team's top draft pick in 1990, and No. 3 overall.
