Phillies Sign Abraham Nunez to 2-year Deal

 

Phillies sign Nunez to two-year deal

Veteran brings versatile infield glove, switch-hitting ability

By Andy Jasner / Special to MLB.com

 

 

PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies took an important step in bolstering their infield for the 2006 season by signing free agent infielder Abraham Nunez to a two-year, $3.35 million contract, which includes a club option for 2008 and performance bonuses.

In 139 games for the Cardinals last season, Nunez hit .285 with five home runs and 44 RBIs. Nunez had 120 hits, including 13 doubles and two triples, and provided versatility by playing third base, second base and shortstop.

 

"Nunez gives us some versatility in that he can play three infield positions and is a switch-hitter," Phillies general manager Pat Gillick said in a statement released by the club.

 

Nunez, 29, became the Cardinals' everyday third baseman when Scott Rolen underwent season-ending shoulder surgery last year. Nunez played 98 games at third base (77 starts), 22 at second base and 21 at shortstop.

 

Nunez was among the top 10 in the National League with a .319 average after the sixth inning. He was also second on the Cardinals with six pinch-hits and tied for the team lead with five pinch-hit RBIs.

 

He hit .364 with three runs scored in the National League Division Series against the Padres and .385 in the League Championship Series against the Astros.

 

Nunez was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Blue Jays in 1994, and he was traded to the Pirates after his second season. He played for the Pirates from 1997-2004 and signed as a free agent with the Cardinals last January.

 

In 769 career games, Nunez is hitting .248 with 16 home runs and 161 RBIs.

 

The Phillies' 40-man roster is now at 37 players.

Awww...they got the fake one.

It may not be OMGNunez, but Pirates fans like to call him WTFNunez.

And I called him.. WHONunez at the time the Cards signed him to a minor league deal.. Then I was happy with the job he did.. Then remembered Tony Womack and this could be the year he goes back to reality..