Mariners sign 2B Lopez to four-year extension

Apr 18, 2007 - 8:55 PM SEATTLE (Ticker) -- The Seattle Mariners locked up one of their building blocks on Wednesday, signing second baseman Jose Lopez to a four-year contract.

Financial terms of the deal, which also includes a club option for 2011, were not disclosed.

"I'm grateful to the team because they didn't have to extend my contract at this time," Lopez said. "I really like the organization; the city and the fans are great. I hope to be here for many years to come."

In his first full season in the majors with the Mariners in 2006, Lopez garnered All-Star honors after batting .282 with 10 homers and 79 RBI in 151 games.

"We project Jose to develop into a really special middle infielder," Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi said. "He appeared in the All-Star Game in his first full season, and is still improving both offensively and defensively."

Lopez, 23 led all American League second baseman with 148 starts as well as RBI, while also ranking first in triples (eight) and third in hits (170).

In nine games this season, Lopez is batting .290 with one homer and two RBI.