MLB: Oakland Signs Swisher to New 5-Year Deal

The versatile Swisher has made 120 career starts in right field, 106 at first base, 82 in left field, nine in center field and six at designated hitter.

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OAKLAND - The Oakland Athletics announced today the club has agreed to terms with outfielder Nick Swisher on a five-year contract through the 2011 season with a one-year club option for 2012.

Swisher, 26, who was the A's first-round pick (16th selection overall) in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, made his major league debut with the A's in 2004 in just his third professional season.

He has compiled a .249 career batting average to go along with 64 home runs and 194 RBI in 335 major league games.

The 64 career home runs are the most by a switch hitter in franchise history.

The versatile Swisher has made 120 career starts in right field, 106 at first base, 82 in left field, nine in center field and six at designated hitter.

Last season, he became the first player in Oakland history to start at least 70 games in two different positions, as he started a team-leading 80 games at first base and a team-leading 71 games in left field.

Swisher enters tonight's game with Cleveland batting .286 in 27 games with six doubles, a team-high six home runs and 17 RBI. He ranks fifth in the American League in on-base percentage .426), fifth in walks (22) and ninth in slugging percentage (.549).

The A's now have eight players under contract beyond the 2007 season, not including Mark Ellis and Jay Witasick, who have club options for next season.

The eight players and the years they are signed through are: Swisher (2011, club option 2012), Eric Chavez (2010, club option 2011), Bobby Crosby (2009), Alan Embree (2008, club option 2009), Rich Harden (2008, club option 2009), Dan Haren (2009, club option 2010), Mark Kotsay (2008), Esteban Loaiza (2008, club option 2009).

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