Reliever Luis Ayala is weighing offers from the Angels and the Orioles and could sign with one of the two "at any moment," according to Fernando Ballesteros at the Mexican baseball magazine Puro Béisbol (via Twitter, in Spanish). The Padres, he writes, were also involved but have left negotiations with the 34-year-old. According to Ballesteros, Ayala is seeking a two-year deal.
Ayala earned the privilege of being choosy this winter after a resurgent 2011 with the Yankees. He signed a minor league deal with the team in January after a lost 2010 season, but ended up finishing 20 games and pitching to a 2.09 ERA in 56 innings. His rate of 6.3 K/9 tied previous season highs, and he generated ground balls 50 percent of the time. Last week we learned that the Yankees still had interest in bringing him back, but Ballesteros writes that the team isn't among those currently interested in Ayala.
Hmmmm…. Which team should I choose….
why would any body in the world wan’t to go to the O’s, Go RAVENS
Thank god Ayala’s not coming back to the Yankees. While he was not a bad pitcher for them, his numbers aren’t as good as they look. The only reason he had a 2.09 ERA is because he usually let inherited runners score. I much prefer Kontos
I hope he goes to LAA. Just another reliever that will give away their starters leads.
If it’s against Texas, LAA won’t have a lead to blow.
Karma doesn’t forget.
Yeah, I probably shouldn’t be saying anything about blowing leads.
yeah remember Angels have 1 Ws, Rangers have none, ouch too soon?
…19 other teams have more World Series wins than the Angels.
Ouch… too soon?
rangers still have 0, sorry.
Die hard Rangers fan but they are right, just because we a re in a good position finally dont talk crap.
And 20 have more than the Rangers.
pretty concerned about the halos…. keep telling yourself that.
I never knew my AP Spanish Language credit would help me so much!
Te felicito.
If this is a major league deal…do us a favor and sign with the angels. If it’s a minor league deal do yourself a favor and pick the team you’ll actually see game action…
I like your name.
I like your name too.
If he signs with the Halos, hes playing to win. If he signs with the Orioles, its all about the money
Whats wrong with taking the most money. Its not like he has made that much money in the mlb and its not like he is albert pujols who was already set for life but instead stabbed the cards in the back for a few million bucks when he had made 100 mil on his last contract and was getting 200 mil plus in this one. I dont mind it when guys like ayala go for money but those guys making millions and millions like fielder and pujols are greedy.
Do I sign to a team that has a good shot at winning the World Series or sign with a team that could be a lock for last place in the division? Decisions, decisions…
The Orioles have a good shot at winning the World Series?
He meant the Angels ;)
No, I meant the Orioles…
get a life B!
I bet the O’s offered him more, and that why he’s mulling it over. Personally, I would take more money, crab meat, the Ravens, and last place over a potential division title/wild card, less money, and living in Los Angeles.
Hmmm, choices, choices. The Angels or the Orioles? The Orioles or the Angels? So close, so difficult. I really can’t focus on this just now. I need to focus on where I’m going to buy my new vacation house, and I’ve narrowed my choices to Aspen, Co, or Yonkers, NY.
If it’s to the Angels it better be for cheap. I’d be very disappointed if his contract was more than a few million. Those 2011 numbers are primed for major regression.
Luis Ayala Choosing Between Angels, Orioles….mmm that’s very nice.
However, can Oriole fans choose if they want Ayala?
With exception to last year, this guy had been dreadful for a number of years.
A 2 year deal? Ha!
Like I typed before, the Orioles like to buy them cheap and stack them deep!
Sell the Team Angelos! Maybe they will make that announcement today at Fan Fest!
PS MacPhail always signed signed former Cubs, Duquette is now bringing in all the former Albuquerque Isotopes he can find! What’s the deal? Guys that stink or they are radioactive. I know bad joke… still I think O’s fans are going to have to bring Haz Mat gear to the Yard this year!
Duquette’s theory seems to be that if you get enough rocks, one of them is bound to be solid gold, right?
I don’t think he’s aware that MLB rosters have a size limit. If he is aware, then he’s just being really dumb with his choices. Quantity means nothing when you only have a couple of roster spots.
Luis, please choose the O’s!
Hmm World Series contender or cellar dweller??? What to do…
The Halos need another reliever, but after watching some videos of Ayala, I have a feeling he’s gonna be another Takahashi. That era is gorgeous but misleading, I’d rather the Angels give Cassevah or Thompson a chance to develop more than have the Rangers eat this guy up.
Also, his tenure with the Twins, Marlins, and the way he’s currently presenting himself gives me the feeling he’s somewhat of a high-maintenance guy.