Nick Swisher signs new contract

Oakland, Calif. -- Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher Friday agreed to a five-year contract through the 2011 season.

The Athletics have the option to extend the deal to a sixth year.

Last season, the 26-year-old Swisher became the first player in Oakland history to start at least 70 games at two different positions -- 80 at first base and 71 in left field.

He led the Athletics with 35 home runs and 95 RBI, and was Oakland's first-round pick (16th selection overall) in the 2002 draft.

He made his Major League debut with the A's in 2004 in just his third professional season.

Heading into Friday night's contest against Cleveland, he was batting .286 with six homers, six doubles and 17 RBI in 91 at-bats.

In his career, Swisher has a .249 average with 64 homers and 194 RBI.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International.