Angels sign Figgins, Rivera to multiyear contracts

[Pierzynski 12]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- The Los Angeles Angels agreed to multiyear contracts with Chone Figgins and Juan Rivera on Saturday.

 

The speedy, versatile Figgins got a $10.5 million, three-year deal. An offensive catalyst, he was a big reason the Angels won their second consecutive AL West title and advanced to the AL championship series last season.

 

Rivera agreed to a two-year contract. Exact details were not yet known, but the outfielder will earn about $1.3 million in 2006.

 

Both players had filed for arbitration. Now, five Angels remain eligible for arbitration: closer Francisco Rodriguez, starting pitcher John Lackey, reliever Scot Shields, reliever Brendan Donnelly and catcher Jose Molina.

 

Figgins, who turns 28 next Sunday, started at six positions last season and was selected the team's co-MVP with pitcher Bartolo Colon. Figgins scored 113 runs and led the major leagues with 62 stolen bases. He batted .290 with 57 RBIs.

 

Acquired from Colorado in July 2001, Figgins also became the first player in Angels history to steal 50 bases and score 100 runs in a season. He will earn $2.25 million this year, $3.5 million in 2007 and $4.75 million in 2008.

 

"Chone has proven to be a valuable asset to our club in a short period of time," general manager Bill Stoneman said. "He has emerged as one of the most versatile players in the major leagues."

 

The 27-year-old Rivera batted .271 with 15 homers and 59 RBIs in 106 games last season, his first with the Angels. He hit .308 from Aug. 1 until the end of the season.

 

"His play in the outfield and as a DH were sparks for us all year," Stoneman said.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-a...ov=ap&type=lgns

[sayitaintso]

I like the figgins signing for them.

[WilliamTell]

Gotta keep Figgins, he's one of my favorite players.