Angels Sign Eric Owens to One-Year Deal
Free agent outfielder Eric Owens signed a one-year contract with the World Series champion Anaheim Angels on Monday.
The 31-year-old Owens played in 131 games for the Florida Marlins last season, hitting .270 with four home runs, 37 RBIs and 26 stolen bases. He also hustled his way to 25 infield hits, which ranked 12th in the NL.
"We expect Eric Owens to be a fine addition to our ballclub," Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said in a statement. "In addition to his offensive and defensive skills, he will bring that added dimension of speed."
Owens figures to play a backup role with the Angels, who return starting outfielders Garret Anderson, Darin Erstad and Tim Salmon next season.
Outfielders Orlando Palmeiro and Alex Ochoa were not offered salary arbitration, leaving the team shy in that area.
Originally drafted by Cincinnati in 1992, Owens made his big league debut with the Reds in 1995. He has also played for Milwaukee and San Diego.
Owens has a .263 batting average in 695 big league games with 25 homers, 194 RBIs and 115 steals.