The Angels announced today that they’ve signed infielder Cliff Pennington to a two-year contract. Pennington, a client of Sosnick, Cobbe and Karon, will receive $1.5MM in 2016 and $2.25MM in 2017 for a $3.75MM guarantee, ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reports (via Twitter). Pennington can also earn up to $750K per season based on plate appearances, according to MLB.com’s Alden Gonzalez (Twitter link).
Pennington, 31, split the 2015 season between the D-Backs and Blue Jays, batting a combined .210/.298/.281 in what was the worst offensive season of his eight-year Major League career. However, Pennington entered the 2015 season with a lifetime .248/.315/.350 batting line, giving hope that he can rebound to an extent at the plate while continuing to delivery sound defensive value by way of run prevention and positional versatility.
Pennington can competently play second base, shortstop and third base, grading out as an average or better defender at each infield position according to Ultimate Zone Rating and Defensive Runs Saved. He’s a switch-hitter that has typically fared better from the larger (left-handed) side of the platoon, and while his speed hasn’t been as apparent in recent years, he averaged 19 steals per season in 2010-12 and has generally been a positive all-around contributor on the basepaths.
Pennington can provide the Angels with a backup plan to newly acquired Andrelton Simmons, as the team’s only backup option at shortstop had been Taylor Featherston, who is probably ticketed for Triple-A to open the 2016 campaign after surviving 2015 as a little-used Rule 5 utility option. The Angels currently have uncertainty at both second base and third base, so bringing Pennington into the fold gives them a bit of depth on the Major League roster, though they’ll almost certainly look to upgrade at one of the two spots. Johnny Giavotella handled second base duties in 2015 but is a poor defender with limited offensive upside, and the Angels may not want to count on Kyle Kubitza or Kaleb Cowart to immediately step into the picture at third base given their lack of experience.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
so is this going to be the angels every day third basemen or second basemen?
A solid signing. He’s not going to move the needle for the team, but he knows how to play his role. Interesting that they went for someone like this before going after the big fish. Makes me wonder if we should expect a bullpen arm to be signed soon too.
Seems a little steep, but Ramon Santiago got a similar contract from the Tigers a few years back and they’re pretty comparable. With Pennington’s downward trend in offense and accounting for inflation, it’s probably pretty reasonable.
Yes, good memory. If the Angels would have signed Santiago, who is still playing, they would have signed a much better defensive player. Santiago is batting lead off for Escogido in the Dominican Winter League this winter, getting on base .380 going into December, playing 2B, SS and 3B.
Seems like an unnecessary signing considering the Angels already have Taylor Featherston to fill that role and he costs the league minimum
Agree Featherston has more upside and since we are close to the Lux tax threshold, this is 4 mill that could have been much better spent.
If the Angels don’t go past the luxury tax this offseason, then this signing is not a good decision. I’d be surprised if they don’t spend big this offseason.
They’ll send Featherston to AAA. Only reason he stayed in the show was because he was a Rule 5 pick. Wouldn’t have had a single AB if he wasn’t.
posted the same thing, didnt see ur comment. this is correct. he now has 3 options left with the angels.
featherstone will be in triple a this year, was only carried on the big league roster because of being a rule 5 pick. he can now be optioned no problem.
Enjoyed his defensive skills in his short tenure with the Jays. Good positive clubhouse influence as well. Good luck to Cliff.
Would have been better off signing Stephen Drew. Cliff batted 140 against LHP’ers last year, so from the right side of the plate he adds nothing.
Woohoo! We have our third baseman! Our 2016 infield is set. And it’s quite the offensive force: Efren Navarro, Johnny Giavotella, Andrelton Simmons, and Cliff Pennington.
I’m pretty underwhelmed with this signing… definitely would’ve rather saved money and kept the featherston train going. I know he’s bad offensively but Pennington isn’t much better. Was really hoping to have a shot at Heyward, but it’s looking increasingly like that’s not going to happen.
You’re right. I think Heyward is out, and the focus will be on Alex Gordon. Would be a nice defensive outfield with AG.
I’m curious as to why you think Heyward is out of the picture? If 2 million keeps us from getting Heyward, we never were seriously considering him anyways.
It’s not that 2 million keeps us from getting Heyward. My gut tells me the coming moves will be to sign Gordon at something like 5/85 or 5/90, trade one or more young pitchers for a bat, and then the curveball…Arte goes after a top tier pitcher to lead the rotation. The Halos have spent big money for bats recently (Pujols, Hamilton, and Trout), and I think Eppler convinces Arte to spend the big money on a starter. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking…
The Angels could definitely sign one of the top tier pitchers and top tier OF’s. They have plenty of money coming off the books after this year, and this team is right in the midst of it’s championship window. I expect them to make multiple big signings this offseason.
Hope you’re correct
Good signing if he’s utility
This signing was made purely for his use in a utility infielder role. Featherston needs time to develop and we only kept him up at the big league level to keep him in our system for 2016. The Angels do indeed look like big players for a strong outfield bat i.e. Heyward, Gordon, and even for a front line starter. This move was only for major league depth purposes. Expect big moves from Eppler.
Big players for starting outfielders or a top pitcher.
Please stop drinking the coolaide.
Nothing left to trade as the farm cuppard is bare.
Unless your taking in big salary…your california
Always laugh about making sense of a signing like this.
He batted a combined .210, which included a .160 with the offensive powerhose Jays.
This buy is offensively challenged and please don’t tell me about his defense.
he left his best years, which were pretty average back in Oakland years ago.
The Angels waywayway overpaid.
Arte said he had “unlimited resources” and would do “whatever”, so I guess Cespedes and David Price are gonna be Halos!
Don’t know if this has any consolation but I picked up Cliff on MLB the show and he turned his career around. I think cliff has a spot, I kind of wish the Tigers could have gotten him for 3rd base or 2nd base depth
Best comment ever
assume you meant correlation but you were kind of close!
Fantastic. I created myself and also did good. $3m here I come!
I don’t have MLB The Show.
But I have MLB 2K13.
And I traded Jamie Moyer for Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg.
Seems legit.
AAVs coming off the books next year. Wilson – 15.5, Weaver – 17.0, Smith – 5.25. Then after 2017 – Hamilton – 25.0. Spend the money Arte and exceed the CBT for this year!!!
so when trout gets his huge bump and pujols becomes less productive high priced they can have another big contract?
Trouts bump to 34M in 2 years will be worth it. I’m not sure Pujols will make it to the end of his contract. He continues to have lingering foot issues, and has stated that he’ll retire instead of not performing at a high level. Our payments to Hamilton will be off the books in 2 more years. So yeah, I’m okay adding another big contract. It’s Arte’s money, and a new CBT level will come into play starting in 2017 (not sure what that $ amount will be at this time. Still TBD).