Brewers, Hall agree to new four-year contract

Feb 5, 2007 - 10:51 PM MILWAUKEE (Ticker) -- The Milwaukee Brewers finally rewarded Bill Hall for his breakthrough 2006 season.

The Brewers on Monday agreed to terms with Hall on a four-year contract with a club option for 2011, avoiding salary arbitration with the shortstop.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but the team's official web site reported the deal is worth $24 million with a $9.25 million option for the fifth year.

"We are pleased to know that Billy has made this commitment to the Brewers organization and to the fans," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said. "His mentality for accepting the team concept, his work ethic to get better every year and his improving performance gave us the confidence needed in committing to this multi-year contract."

Hall, 27, enjoyed an outstanding season in 2006, batting .270 while posting career highs of 35 home runs, 85 RBI and 101 runs scored in 148 games.

A capable base-stealer and a valuable utility man, Hall mostly played shortstop last year due to a severe ankle injury to regular shortstop J.J. Hardy. He also played second base, third base and the outfield, and the Brewers plan on moving him full time to a corner outfield spot in 2007.

Hall, who earned $418,000 last season, was set to go to arbitration, but the Brewers opted to lock up the talented infielder to a long-term deal.

"Billy has worked hard to deserve this kind of contract, and we are looking forward to having him lead our club to the next level," Melvin said. "Ownership has again understood what it takes for us to become a winning type franchise and fully supports this commitment to Billy."

In parts of five seasons with the Brewers, Hall is a career .267 hitter with 67 homers and 225 RBI.