New Angel in the Outfield: Torii Hunter agrees to 5 year, $90 million deal with L.A.
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by Oneflydude
Late Wednesday night, the Los Angeles Angels agreed to a 5 year,
$90 million deal with outfielder Torii Hunter. The agreement is
pending on a physical from Hunter.
Matthews is going into his second year of a 5 year, $50 million deal. Matthews was tied with an internet performance enhancing drug scandal in 2004, so we don't know if he will be suspended for it in the future. If nothing comes out of that, Matthews might play the corner outfield position, and it would give either Vladimir Guerrero or Garrett Anderson more chances to play the DH.
Other Angels who may have their job on the line are Reggie Willits and Juan Rivera. Rivera has been a productive hitter and a solid defender for the Angels the past couple of years, but sat out most of the 2007 season with a broken leg. Willits filled in the spot for G.A. when he was injured
and he hit .293 in 136 games. Rivera and Willits may now be used as trade
bait to pick up an infielder.
The Angels also traded away their gold glove shortstop, Orlando Cabrera to the White Sox for veteran pitcher, Jon Garland. Their second move in three days. Hunter is someone who can protect Vladdy in the batting lineup. Hunter stated that he wants to be on a team that competes every year. The Angelshave been competing for the past few years. They won the World Series in 2002 and have been to the postseason 5 of the last 6 years.
