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03-30-2002, 01:58 PM
Royals give Sweeney new deal
Baseball City, FL (Sports Network) - The Kansas City Royals and first baseman Mike Sweeney have agreed to a new five-year $55 million. The deal reportedly includes a unique clause that will allow Sweeney to walk away from the Royals if the team is below .500 after the 2003 or 2004 seasons.
"You're talking about a special player," Royals general manager Allard Baird said. "When you sign a player to a long-term deal, you're looking at ability, durability and character. Michael is one of the best right-handed hitters in baseball. He's a guy who will play hurt. And his character is off the charts."
Hall of Famer and current Royals vice president George Brett, who played his entire career in Kansas City, apparently worked out the deal with Sweeney and his agents at a tavern near Sweeney's spring training apartment.
"I feel very honored to have signed a five-year contract that's going to keep me here in Kansas City for six more years," Sweeney said. "I've said all along: I didn't ask for much. Just looking for something fair and a bright future. I feel we have that here in Kansas City."
Sweeney, who is in the final year of a two-year deal that pays him $7.8 million, has hit above .300 the last three years and has also averaged 110 RBI in that span.. He had a club record 144 RBIs during the 2000 season.
"I feel like I'm the happiest man on earth right now," he added.
The 28-year-old Sweeney had set an April 1 deadline to reach a new deal, saying he did not want to be distracted during the season by the contract.
03/30 00:25:15 ET
yhea I'd be happy if I could get $55 mil for the next five years:barf: :barf:
Baseball City, FL (Sports Network) - The Kansas City Royals and first baseman Mike Sweeney have agreed to a new five-year $55 million. The deal reportedly includes a unique clause that will allow Sweeney to walk away from the Royals if the team is below .500 after the 2003 or 2004 seasons.
"You're talking about a special player," Royals general manager Allard Baird said. "When you sign a player to a long-term deal, you're looking at ability, durability and character. Michael is one of the best right-handed hitters in baseball. He's a guy who will play hurt. And his character is off the charts."
Hall of Famer and current Royals vice president George Brett, who played his entire career in Kansas City, apparently worked out the deal with Sweeney and his agents at a tavern near Sweeney's spring training apartment.
"I feel very honored to have signed a five-year contract that's going to keep me here in Kansas City for six more years," Sweeney said. "I've said all along: I didn't ask for much. Just looking for something fair and a bright future. I feel we have that here in Kansas City."
Sweeney, who is in the final year of a two-year deal that pays him $7.8 million, has hit above .300 the last three years and has also averaged 110 RBI in that span.. He had a club record 144 RBIs during the 2000 season.
"I feel like I'm the happiest man on earth right now," he added.
The 28-year-old Sweeney had set an April 1 deadline to reach a new deal, saying he did not want to be distracted during the season by the contract.
03/30 00:25:15 ET
yhea I'd be happy if I could get $55 mil for the next five years:barf: :barf: