Off-Season Moves Watch Thread

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yeah, i think they can still win the west.


a couple of days old, but i didn't get to it. this is going to be weird for me, having grown up watching GA.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3926475

After losing out to the Seattle Mariners in their Ken Griffey Jr. pursuit, the Atlanta Braves reportedly have quickly regrouped, landing veteran outfielder Garret Anderson.

Anderson, who had played his entire career for the Angels, agreed to a one-year deal worth approximately $2.5 million, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Sunday.

Anderson is expected to undergo a physical on Monday or Tuesday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Pres on Sunday on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn't been finalized.

Anderson, 36, is expected to form part of a left-field platoon with Matt Diaz and might bat cleanup against right-handed pitchers.

He hit .293 with 15 home runs and 84 RBIs in 145 games for the Angels last season.

Anderson joins an outfield that produced only 27 homers last season, worst in the majors.

A three-time All-Star, Anderson holds several Angels franchise records, including games played (2,013), runs scored (1,024), hits (2,368), doubles (489), total bases (3,743) and RBIs (1,292). He ranks second in home runs (272) and career batting average (.296).

Anderson helped the Angels win the World Series in 2002, hitting .300 with two homers and 13 RBIs in the postseason. Los Angeles declined to pick up his $14 million option after last season, instead paying a $3 million buyout.

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With contract negotiations slow, Lackey an unhappy ace

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/post ... mlb,149581

The Los Angeles Angels have an unhappy ace in right-hander John Lackey. With negotiations on a contract extension progressing at a snail's pace, Lacey is beginning to wonder how badly the Angels want to keep him, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"They're not trying very hard," Lackey said Friday. "It's kind of on them at this point. I love playing here and I'd like to stay, but I've put myself into a category that they need to get to."

Lackey has a 91-65 record and 3.81 earned-run average in six-plus seasons and he could be the top pitcher on the market if he reaches free agency.

According to The Times, Lackey wouldn't specify the price range of his "category," but Lackey hinted that he is looking at the seven-year, $161-million deal ($23 million a year) that CC Sabathia got from the New York Yankees as a comparison.

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Guerrero passes early test

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd ... Id=rss_ana

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Encouraging news for Angels fans: The burst is back.

Vladimir Guerrero felt the strength return to his right knee when he pursued a fly ball to right-center on Friday, making a catch in his first appearance in the field since undergoing surgery on the knee in October. "It feels very good," Guerrero said of his knee after serving as the designated hitter on Saturday in a 4-4 tie with the Brewers. "Before, I didn't think I could get the burst I needed. Now, it is back."

Testing the knee "the last two games, it went extremely well," he added. "The last few years, I'd run and there would be soreness. It doesn't feel that way now." The Angels' superstar right fielder said the knee that supports his violent swing hasn't felt this good in about three years. In his second appearance on Saturday, Guerrero was hitless in three at-bats against Brewers right-hander Dave Bush at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia liked how Guerrero left the batter's box after popping up, flying out and grounding out -- and was impressed with his burst on the fly ball on Friday. "He had a good jump and ran a good route," Scioscia said. "And, today, he got out of the box well."

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Lackey likely to miss Opening Day

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd ... Id=rss_ana

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Angels ace John Lackey is not expected to be ready to make his Opening Day assignment against the Athletics on April 6 at Angel Stadium.

"Right now, it's definitely unlikely," manager Mike Scioscia said on Friday.

Lackey experienced tightness in his right forearm against the Royals during a 90-pitch effort on Sunday. After playing catch at the team's Tempe, Ariz., complex on Thursday, Lackey was "a little tight," Scioscia said.

An MRI was taken of Lackey's arm on Thursday. "The results, I think, were negative," Scioscia said.

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new offseason:

Mariners Make Solid Deal for Chone Figgins

http://www.mlbdailydish.com/2009/12/7/1 ... -for-chone

Assuming that Figgins passes his physical today, the Seattle Mariners will announce a four-year, $36M contract with the veteran third baseman, according to Geoff Baker of The Seattle Times. Figgins, who turns 32 in January, is likely to replace Adrian Beltre as the team's everyday third baseman next season.

Figgins is regarded as one of the best leadoff hitters in the game, and he's quietly emerged as one of the better defensive third baseman in the game. He's improved his walk rate in every season since breaking onto the scene with the Angels in 2002, peaking at 14.1% this season. He offers practically no power, but he's a good contact hitter with excellent plate discipline, and he's posted OBP's of .393, .367 and .395 in the past three respecitve seasons.

In addition, Figgins is one of the better baserunners in the game as well. He's stolen 34+ bases in every season since 2003, and while his 74% stealing percentage isn't great, he's also very good at the other nuances of baserunning, he was worth about 0.8 WAR solely on the basepaths in 2009, a very impressive mark. When you factor in his solid contact ability, impressive (and increasing) walk rates, and value on the basepaths, it's clear that he's one of the more productive top of the order hitters in the game.

While it would be tough to justify giving $9M per season to a hitter of Figgins' caliber, it's much easier when factoring in his defense. He's a solidly above-average defender at third base that's capable of playing second base and the outfield, and in over 4500 innings at third base he has a career UZR/150 of +8.0, and he posted a +16.3 UZR in 2009....

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http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/ne ... id=4741437

John Lackey agrees to 5-year deal with Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox have reached a tentative deal with right-handed pitcher John Lackey, pending a physical, worth slightly more than the $82.5 million, five-year contract A.J. Burnett signed with the New York Yankees last year, a source familiar with the negotiations told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark.

Lackey traveled to Boston for a physical exam Monday, fueling speculation that an agreement was close at hand.

Specific details weren't available, but the Red Sox's heightened pursuit of Lackey came after reports that Boston is fading in its efforts to retain free agent outfielder Jason Bay.

Lackey, 31, is 102-71 with a 3.81 ERA in eight seasons with the Angels, and he would join Josh Beckett and Jon Lester at the top of a powerhouse rotation in Boston. The Mariners, Angels and Mets are among the other teams interested in signing Lackey.

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http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_16006/content ... d=a2LLpVWe

Matsui, Angels reach preliminary deal

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Hideki Matsui is headed west.

The World Series MVP and the Los Angeles Angels have reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract worth about $6.5 million, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the contract was not yet final.

"I can confirm that we are in serious discussions with the Angels," Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Tellem declined further comment.

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http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/m ... id=4765074

Sources: Angels, Phils talking to Rodney

The Los Angeles Angels are in serious discussions with free-agent reliever Fernando Rodney, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.

Rodney
Rodney

A source told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney on Tuesday afternoon that the Philadelphia Phillies are also interested in Rodney.

The 32-year-old Rodney saved 37 games in 38 opportunities for the Tigers last season. The Angels would be acquiring him primarily as a set-up man for closer Brian Fuentes. But the Angels are expected to give him some opportunities to close, as well...

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http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/m ... id=4765815

Oliver officially joins Rangers' bullpen

DALLAS -- Reliever Darren Oliver and the Texas Rangers finalized a $3.5 million, one-year contract that includes a club option for 2011.

After spending the past three seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, Oliver starts his third stint with Texas. The 39-year-old left-hander began his career with the Rangers, pitching for them from 1993-98. He was back with Texas from 2000-01.

Oliver was 5-1 with a 2.71 ERA in 63 games last season. His deal includes a $3 million salary next year and a $3.25 million option for 2011 with a $500,000 buyout. The second year of the contract would become guaranteed if Oliver makes 59 appearances next season.

"Darren's been one of the most effective, reliable relievers in the game over the past few years," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Tuesday. "We know him well from his previous time with the organization and having faced him more recently, and we're thrilled to add him to our staff."

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http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/m ... id=4768668

Source: Angels, Rodney agree to deal

Former Detroit Tigers closer Fernando Rodney and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a two-year, $11 million deal pending a physical, a source told ESPNdeportes.com's Enrique Rojas.

The physical examination is scheduled to take place later Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Rodney saved 37 games in 38 opportunities for the Tigers last season. The Angels would be acquiring him primarily as a set-up man for closer Brian Fuentes. But the Angels are expected to give him some opportunities to close, as well.

Fuentes succeeded Francisco Rodriguez as the Angels' closer last season and led the league in saves, with 48. But he also had six blown saves and appeared to shake the confidence of manager Mike Scioscia during a second half in which Fuentes had a 4.81 ERA, a 1.685 WHIP and more walks (15) than strikeouts (12).

Rodney finished the season with a 4.40 ERA, the highest among AL relievers with 20 or more saves. But that figure was skewed by his 6.08 ERA in nonsave situations.

Because he was a Type B free agent and offered arbitration, the Tigers would get a supplementary draft pick as compensation.

Rodney led the league in save percentage and games finished, held opposing hitters to a .207 batting average and .366 slugging percentage with runners in scoring position, and had a 1.40 ground ball-to-fly ball ratio, which ranked first among free-agent closers.

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http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4772438

Escobar, Mets agree to 1-year deal

Former Los Angeles Angels right-hander Kelvim Escobar has agreed to a one-year contract with the New York Mets.

Escobar's deal is worth a guaranteed $1.25 million, a baseball source tells ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.

Escobar, who has missed most of the past two seasons with a shoulder injury, must pass a physical exam for the deal to become official. He recently received the go-ahead to pitch winter ball in his native Venezuela from Dr. David Altchek, the Mets' team medical director -- who happens to be the surgeon who repaired Escobar's torn labrum in July 2008.

If Escobar is healthy and makes the Mets' roster, he's most likely headed for the bullpen. He could become a set-up man for former Angels teammate Francisco Rodriguez.

"With Escobar, we are looking at him as a reliever," Mets GM Omar Minaya said, according to the New York Daily News.

The contract includes $2 million in potential bonuses based on games pitched, and an additional $1 million for games finished, along with more potential bonuses for awards. Escobar would also earn a $125,000 bonus for making the Mets' Opening Day roster.

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http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/m ... id=4812099

Rangers, Guerrero reach 1-year deal

The Texas Rangers have agreed to terms with Vladimir Guerrero on a one-year deal with a mutual option for a second year, according to sources.

Guerrero is guaranteed $6 million in the deal, which is pending a physical. It includes $5 million plus performance incentives for 2010 and a $1 million buyout if the Rangers don't pick up the option, a source said.


Guerrero fills the Rangers' need for a right-handed bat in the middle of the lineup and will likely be the club's designated hitter...

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http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/m ... id=4843796

Pineiro, Angels agree to 2-year deal

Free-agent right-hander Joel Pineiro agreed Wednesday to a $16 million, two-year contract with the Angels, according to ESPN's Buster Olney.

Pineiro is due to take a physical Thursday.

Pineiro, 31, pitched a career-high 214 innings over 32 games last season, with a 15-12 record and 3.49 ERA for the National League Central champion St. Louis Cardinals.

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http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/a ... p&c_id=ana

Matthews dealt to Mets for pitcher Stokes

ANAHEIM -- Outfielder Gary Matthews Jr., who publicly announced he was ready to move on from the Angels shortly after the season ended, was granted his wish on Friday when he was traded to the Mets for relief pitcher Brian Stokes.

Matthews was unhappy with his role as the Angels' fourth outfielder and will now get a chance to begin the season as the Mets' center fielder with Carlos Beltran expected to miss the beginning of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

"He wanted the opportunity to play every day and in our situation, we didn't see that happening so we made a deal we thought improved our club for 2010," Angels general manager Tony Reagins said via a conference call along with manager Mike Scioscia and Stokes.

As part of the deal, the Angels will reportedly pay $21.5 of the $23.5 million remaining on Matthews' contract, which includes a $500,000 payment for being traded, according to SI.com, which first reported the deal.

So while the Angels will reportedly save only $2 million with the trade, Reagins is confident the team can bolster its outfield depth from within the organization or by signing a veteran fourth outfielder.

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http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/a ... p&c_id=ana

Angels lock up Izturis through 2012

The Angels have signed Maicer Izturis, avoiding an arbitration hearing with the versatile infielder and locking him up for three seasons. By extending Izturis through 2012, the Angels are buying out two years of free agency. The Venezuela native would have hit the open market after the upcoming season.

The announcement was made by general manager Tony Reagins. The Associated Press reported that the deal is worth $10 million. Having signed Jered Weaver, Mike Napoli, Howard Kendrick and Reggie Willits, the Angels have three remaining arbitration-eligible players: starting pitcher Joe Saunders, shortstop Erick Aybar and catcher Jeff Mathis.

Izturis is coming off his best season offensively, hitting .300 in 114 games with 22 doubles, eight homers and 65 RBIs in 387 at-bats. He excelled defensively while spending most of his time at second base, platooning for much of the season with Kendrick. In 64 starts at second, Izturis made only two errors for a .993 fielding percentage. He had a .977 fielding percentage at shortstop in 28 games and did not make an error in five games at third.

A natural shortstop, Izturis had shared that position in 2008 with Aybar, who emerged as a star as the everyday shortstop last season. Izturis gives the Angels coverage at third base as well as shortstop and second base. Brandon Wood is expected to get first crack at departed Chone Figgins' job at third, but Izturis is a viable option there.

"Izzy's a guy who can hit anywhere in the lineup, and he's an outstanding defender at three positions," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. Izturis is expected to share the leadoff spot with Aybar in Figgins' absence, and he has also been productive batting second and fifth. The numbers support his reputation as a clutch hitter. A career .327 batter with runners in scoring position, Izturis also is a .349 hitter with the bases loaded.

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http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/news/a ... p&c_id=ana

Angels come to terms with Saunders

Joe Saunders, an All-Star in 2008 who has won 33 games over the past two seasons, avoided arbitration with the Angels on Friday night by agreeing to a contract for 2010, the club announced.

Saunders, 28, was 16-7 with a 4.60 ERA in 2009. The lefty finished strong after struggling with shoulder issues for much of the season.

Saunders' signing leaves the club with two remaining arbitration-eligible players: catcher Jeff Mathis and shortstop Erick Aybar.

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http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/m ... id=4903359

Angels eye 19-year-old Cuban shortstop

The Angels continue to vigilantly patrol the Cuban borders.

After being outbid for hard-throwing left-hander Aroldis Chapman by the Cincinnati Reds last month, the Angels have turned their attention to another recent defector, 19-year-old shortstop Adeiny Hechevarria.

The Angels were among a half-dozen teams to send scouts to the Dominican Republic last week to watch Hechevarria work out, according to a league source.

It appears the Angels will have company on Hechevarria. A few other large-market teams were in attendance last week and the bidding could reach eight figures. Chapman signed a $30.25 million contract with the Reds.

"A lot of times you get guys who just left the island. Then you go see them and they can't play," said a scout who watched Hechevarria's workout. "He's legit. There's no doubt."

Hechevarria did not play for the Cuban national team, but he competed on several prominent junior teams from the island. He is listed at 6-foot and 160 pounds.

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http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/m ... id=4911542

1B Morales hires Boras in about-face

Los Angeles Angels first baseman Kendry Morales has fired agents Alan and Randy Hendricks and signed with Scott Boras, the agent confirmed to ESPN The Magazine.

"Essentially, we had gotten a call from Kendry about a month ago and said he was interested in interviewing representation and he asked if we wanted to be one of the people he looked at," Boras said. "We had a meeting with Kendry and his wife and yesterday he informed us of his decision."

Last season, Morales -- who finished fifth in the American League MVP voting -- hit .306 with 34 home runs and 108 RBIs for the division-winning Angels.

Morales, who is scheduled to earn $700,000 this year as part of a six-year $4.5 million deal he signed with the Angels in 2005, will be arbitration eligible for the first time after the 2010 season. Boras said he would be open to discussing a long-term deal for Morales with the Angels.

"I think obviously we're certainly going to come to Kendry with any interest that [Angels GM] Tony [Reagins] or the Angels have in advancing the contractual relationship," Boras said.

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http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/m ... id=4964118

Dodgers sign outfielder G. Anderson

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Dodgers, who have made an art form in recent years of taking advantage of a buyer's free-agent market, did so again Wednesday night, signing veteran outfielder and three-time All-Star Garret Anderson to a minor league contract.

The deal includes an invitation to major league camp, where Anderson, 37, will compete with fellow veterans Brian Giles and Doug Mientkiewicz for the left-handed pinch-hitting slot.

If Anderson makes the club, he will earn a $550,000 base salary plus incentives. If he doesn't, he can opt out of the deal on opening day and become a free agent.

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http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/m ... id=6021568

Source: Manny Ramirez on radar of 5

ORLANDO, Fla. -- At least five teams have shown interest in signing free agent Manny Ramirez, who has been working out in a performance training center in Arizona to get in shape not only from a hitting standpoint, but also to play the outfield if necessary.

The Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays have made inquiries to agent Scott Boras about Ramirez, a source close to the player told ESPNdeportes.com.

Ramirez, 38, hit .298 with nine home runs and 42 RBIs last season playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. He was limited to 265 at-bats due to pain in his right knee and a hernia in his left thigh for which he had surgery in October...