Garret Anderson and the Angels go back -- way back. He's been with the team for 15 seasons and is the franchise leader in, well, just about every important category there is, including games, runs, hits, RBI. He's been with the team through three name changes, debuting as a California Angel, winning a World Series as an Anaheim Angel and most recently playing as a Los Angeles Angel. And now ... he's being cut loose. The Angels officially declined Anderson's option on Tuesday, deciding to buy out his final year for $3 million rather than giving him $12 million to play. From a strict, business sense, the move makes sense. Anderson is still productive (he hit .293-15-84 in 145 games) but at 36 years old, he's much closer to the league average (97 OPS+) than a superstar.
Before nostalgic Angels fans start sending hate mail to the front office, realize that Tuesday's announcement does not officially close the door: GM Tony Reagins admitted that the team may still try to sign Anderson to a smaller contract. But with guys like Francisco Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira (and who knows, maybe even CC Sabathia) hoping to break the bank, it makes sense to be frugal elsewhere when possible.
But in the meantime, the face of the franchise for the last decade and a half is on the outside looking in.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-29-2008 @ 4:39PM
Justin said...
I won't miss GA if he's not back. He's been a good player, but what a dead personality on the field. K-Rod too much money, too nerve-racking to watch, they have Arrendondo. Tex too much $$. They have a lot of talent to play 1st that given the chance to play all the time will hit for power. They did a couple more good pitchers. Then they are good to go.
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10-30-2008 @ 2:02PM
Jonathan Stone said...
So far so good. Vlad-check, Lackey-check, decline Anderson's option-check. BTW, Shields will be the closer not Arredondo, at least not for a season or two.
Now the tough part:
Sign Sabbathia and/or resign Garland
Sign Texiera
Non-tender KRod (accept hate mail until his shoulder give out)
Re-sign Juan Rivera
Extend Willits
Trade a Middle infielder (Aybar, Wood, or Izturis) for a real third baseman, but make the other team accept Gary Matthews Jr as part of the deal (Joe Crede anyone?)
Convince Vlad to DH
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10-31-2008 @ 4:17PM
Justin said...
I thought the purpose to get Tex was to get them to the WS. That didn't happen. Kotchman was a good 1st baseman, with a little more experience it could be as good as Tex. I think they should have kept him. Figgins was good, he had several DH stints this year and his #'s dropped. They will improve next year and he also has speed.
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