2012 MLB Free Agents: Angels Eyeing Several FA’s
By Editorial Staff
The Los Angeles Angels entered the offseason of 2011-12 having missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2001. Angels new general manager Jerry Dipoto appears to be on the hunt for talent via the free agent and trade markets to ensure his club doesn’t make it three in a row. Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reports that the Angels have shown interest in several free agents this offseason, most notably Aramis Ramirez and C.J. Wilson.
Earlier in November, DiGiovanna asked Dipoto what his level of interest was in free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez. Dipoto responded that, while he did have interest in the slugger, it was “lower”. Dipoto also noted that he is not one to “close the door on anyone”.
Yesterday, Paul Kinzer, Ramirez’s agent, told DiGiovanna that “four or five teams” including the Angels have expressed “serious” interest in the 33-year-old. Along with the Angels, the Detroit Tigers are another club reported to have interest in the slugger.
The Angels expressed interest in Ramirez last summer, but the veteran would not agree to waive his no-trade clause. Ramirez instead decided to finish the season with the Cubs, where he hit .306/.361/.510 with 35 doubles, 26 home runs and 93 RBI’s. Over his career, Ramirez has maintained an OPS of .842 and .342 OBP.
DiGiovanna anticipates Ramirez fetching a “deal of two or three years” with an annual salary of around $14 million.
Beyond Ramirez, the Angels have also shown serious interest in free agent starter C.J. Wilson. Dipoto is known to be looking for another solid arm to add to his already impressive collection of starters. Not only does Wilson fit that profile, but he is a lefty, something that is also appealing to the Angels who currently have a trio of right-handers atop their rotation.
According to DiGiovanna, Dipoto and the Angels are also interested in free agent relievers Matt Capps, Heath Bell, Francisco Cordero, Octavio Dotel and Scott Linebrink.
For more on the Angels, be sure to check out Halo Hangout.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.