Angels agree to terms with OF Rivera

Jan 18, 2008 - 7:46 AM ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Thursday avoided arbitration with Juan Rivera by agreeing to terms on a one-year contract with the outfielder.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The 29-year-old slugger missed the bulk of the 2007 season after suffering a broken left leg while playing winter baseball in his native Venezuela. He batted .279 with two home runs and eight RBI in 14 games upon his return in September.

A career .291 hitter with 60 homers in parts of seven major league seasons, Rivera had his best campaign with the Angels in 2006, setting career highs with 23 homers, 85 RBI and a .310 batting average.

Rivera will compete for time in the outfield and at designated hitter in a crowded that also includes Gary Matthews Jr., Torii Hunter, Garret Anderson, Reggie Willits and Vladimir Guerrero.