Angels Offer Erstad Long Contract

The Angels, hoping to lock up another youngster before his potential market value skyrockets, offered Darin Erstad a five-year contract Monday, guaranteeing the first baseman roughly $10 million.

The deal also includes an option for a sixth year, meaning that if Erstad accepts, he would forfeit all three years of arbitration rights and would not be eligible for free agency until after the 2003 season.

“Our inclination is to not go long-term at this time because Darin is only beginning to define his value as it relates to his future,” said Jeff Moorad, Erstad’s agent. “Nonetheless, we’re very open to the views of the Angels.”

Erstad, who won’t be arbitration-eligible until after 1999, hit .299 with 16 homers and 77 RBIs in 1997, his first full season with the Angels.