Virtually shut out in the free agent game this off season, the Los Angeles Angels decided to make a big splash via a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays. They have secured the services of CF Vernon Wells. Now they have a powerful middle of the lineup with Wells, Torii Hunter, and the returning form injury Kendry Morales. Before we get to all of that let us look at the big name details of this trade:
Los Angeles Angels- get Vernon Wells
Toronto Blue Jays- get C Mike Napoli and OF Juan Rivera
This is a bold move by the Angels as Wells is 32 years old and is entering the fourth year of a heavily back loaded contract that will pay him 86 million dollars over the next four years. That breaks down to 23 million for the current year, and 21 million dollars in 2012, 13, and 14. That is a lot of jack tied up in one player, but the Angels are hoping he can produce at least as well as he did in Toronto, and maybe even better in their lineup.
Wells have a bounce back year in 2010 hitting .273 with 31 home runs and 88 RBI, but that comes on the heels of three injury filled years. Over those years he averaged only 17 home runs and 74 RBI. Granted the situation in Los Angeles is far different from the one in Toronto. He does not have the be the only man, but contribute and provide protection for the other bats in the Angels lineup.
With his arrival it looks like Bobby Abreu will be the Angels full time DH and the team is also looking to add a leadoff hitter to the mix. I don’t think this trade alone makes them the favorites in the AL west, but it certainly helps.
Related Links:
- Los Angeles Angels news and notes
- The Business of Major League Baseball
- Joshua Lobdell.com
