Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Rumors

Kurkjian's Latest: Yankees, Dodgers, Chapman

Tim Kurkjian runs through some of the top storylines to watch this offseason for his latest article on ESPN.com. Here's a breakdown of some of the topics discussed... Kurkjian believes the Yankees will let Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui walk this winter and will "consider" free agents Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Kurkjian also thinks Holliday is "perfect for Fenway Park," and someone who will be pursued if the Red Sox aren't able to reach an agreement with Bay. The McCourts' divorce could have a serious impact on the way Los Angeles does business this offseason. As Kurkjian writes, "The...   Continue Reading

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Angels Sign GM Tony Reagins To Extension

The Angels signed general manager Tony Reagins to a long-term contract extension, tweets Ed Price of AOL Fanhouse. Reagins has been the Angels' GM since October of 2007, when Bill Stoneman stepped down. His notable signings include Torii Hunter, Brian Fuentes, Juan Rivera, and Bobby Abreu. He also acquired Jon Garland, Mark Teixeira, and Scott Kazmir in trades. Reagins faces a tough offseason ahead with John Lackey, Chone Figgins, and Vladimir Guerrero among his free agents.   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Matsui, Belcher, Cuddyer, Griffey

Links for Friday... Lefty reliever Darren Oliver "will play in 2010 and perhaps beyond," according to his agent Mike McCann (MLB.com's Lyle Spencer reporting). Free agent Hideki Matsui ruled out the possibility of returning to Japan, says NPB Tracker's Patrick Newman (via Twitter). The Indians have hired their new pitching coach: Tim Belcher. The decision on Michael Cuddyer's $10.5MM option for 2011 is due by Monday, according to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Cuddyer would like to finish his career in Minnesota. Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel considers Jeremy Hermida among the all-time exasperating Marlins. Mark...   Continue Reading

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Angels Re-Sign Bobby Abreu

2:40pm: Price says the deal is worth $19MM guaranteed. Abreu will be paid $9MM in 2010 and 2011, plus a $1MM buyout of a $9MM option for 2012 that could vest based on plate appearances. Given how the market treated Abreu last year, it's not a surprise that he jumped on this offer. 2:19pm: SI.com's Jon Heyman says the deal also includes a vesting option for 2012. 1:58pm: The Angels have re-signed outfielder Bobby Abreu to a two year deal, according to Ed Price of AOL FanHouse. Terms of the deal are not yet known, but stay tuned for updates....   Continue Reading

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Olney On Potential Non-Tenders And Bradley

In today's blog post at ESPN.com, Buster Olney indicates that there is belief among general managers that the "financial restructuring that has been occurring across the landscape is about to hit the arbitration-level players like a tidal wave." He mentions underperforming, but well paid players like Garrett Atkins and Kelly Johnson are prime non-tender bait, especially since their clubs have replacements ready and it's unlikely they'll be able to trade them. Make sure you check out MLBTR's list of non-tender candidates. Olney also talks about some bad contracts the Cubs could acquire in exchange for Milton Bradley, adding that this...   Continue Reading

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Angels Yet To Call On Aroldis Chapman

The Angels have been linked to free agent lefty Aroldis Chapman via scouting director Eddie Bane. Given Chapman's friendship with Kendry Morales and interest in Southern California, the Halos could be a decent fit. However, our source says the team has yet to call to express interest. Chapman is also friendly with Alexei Ramirez of the White Sox. We reported Chicago's interest on October 22nd, but we've since learned that their involvement has been limited. Chapman visited with the Red Sox on Wednesday. A meeting with the Orioles will take place today. He's yet to throw for teams, so the...   Continue Reading

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Aroldis Chapman Review

With all the information swirling around about free agent lefty Aroldis Chapman, I thought a summary would be helpful. Chapman has been declared a free agent and can sign at any time, though a deal is unlikely before the conclusion of the World Series. One GM told Yahoo's Tim Brown in July, "I'm sure all 30 teams will be interested to some degree." Nonetheless, let's look at specific suitors. Red Sox: They've been a top suitor from the start. Kiley McDaniel of Baseball Prospectus says Chapman was scheduled to throw a bullpen at Fenway today but it was cancelled due...   Continue Reading

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Gary Matthews Jr. Wants Out

When the Angels handed Gary Matthews Jr. a five-year, $50MM contract prior to the 2007 season, the team figured it was getting an elite centerfielder that played Gold Glove defense and hit .300+ like he did in his final season in Texas. Instead, the Angels brought Torii Hunter on board just one season later, and Matthews has been a part-time player ever since. With two years and $23MM left on his deal, Matthews wants out of Anaheim, according to Mike DiGiovanna of The LA Times. "I don't expect to be back; it's time to move on," Matthews said as he...   Continue Reading

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Odds & Ends: Beeston, St. Claire, Bay

Links for Tuesday... The Blue Jays announced today that Paul Beeston will remain the team's president and CEO on a three-year deal. The Cub Reporter has three potential offseason targets: Rajai Davis, Jeremy Hermida, and Kelly Johnson. Kerry Wood replied, "Never say never" when asked on ESPN 1000's Waddle and Silvy show about returning to the Cubs after his Indians contract expires. I was surprised the Cubs didn't offer Wood arbitration a year ago. The Marlins hired Randy St. Claire as their new pitching coach; he received a two-year deal according to Barry Jackson and Clark Spencer of the Miami...   Continue Reading

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Discussion: Angels Face Big Decisions

Yes, the return flight from New York has barely touched down, but the Angels are already facing a large number of difficult decisions, and the writers who cover them have wasted no time in evaluating them. MLB.com's Lyle Spencer rates the various chances that 2009's Angels hitting free agency will return in 2010, with Bobby Abreu and Darren Oliver 50-50 to return, and several other players, such as John Lackey, far less than even money. Meanwhile, Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times speculates that free agent Aroldis Chapman might be who the Angels use to replace Lackey. What would...   Continue Reading

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