Yankees exercise $16 million option on OF Abreu

Nov 2, 2007 - 6:08 PM BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- The New York Yankees on Friday exercised a $16 million contract option on outfielder Bobby Abreu for the 2008 season.

Abreu batted .283 with 16 homers, 101 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 158 games this past season. He also scored a career-high 123 runs to rank second in the American League.

"Bobby Abreu possesses a unique skill set and has proven to be a durable and reliable asset to this club," general manager Brian Cashman said. "Consistency has been a hallmark throughout his career.

Abreu, 33, has driven in at least 100 runs in five consecutive seasons and has reached at least 20 stolen bases in nine straight campaigns, the longest streak in the majors.

Abreu will enter the 2008 season just four stolen bases shy of becoming just the 12th player since 1950 to total 400 doubles, 200 home runs and 300 stolen bases in their career.