Bobby Abreu Rumors: Angels, Indians Trade Fizzled Over Salary Concerns

Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times reported yesterday that trade talks between the Angels and Indians “fell apart” over how much of Bobby Abreu’s $9 million salary Cleveland would assume.  It was reported earlier this week that the Indians and Angels were on the verge of completing a deal for Abreu, but it now appears talks have died.

The fit was obvious.  LA doesn’t have a need for the over-priced Abreu, with Kendrys Morales proving healthy and Mark Trumbo still being available.  With Grady Sizemore set to start the regular season on the disabled list, Cleveland is searching for a corner outfielder.

After this initial mutual interest in getting a deal done was realized, the hard part of the discussion took place; who would be paying Abreu what in 2012.  The veteran is set to make $9 million this season, and the Indians balked over whatever price the Angels requested they pay.

Now that a deal is apparently dead between Cleveland and LA, DiGiovanna speculated that the Angels could simply look to release Abreu and eat his remaining salary.  Morales and Trumbo have already been mentioned, and the Angels also have less expensive but seemingly more productive alternatives in Jorge Cantu and Alexi Amarista vying for reserve roles.

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