Are the Los Angeles Angels about to make a big move?
Could Josh Hamilton be on the way to L.A.?
The Los Angeles Angels got every player they wanted last holiday season. And now they're at it again.
As first reported by ESPN Dallas Thursday, Josh Hamilton has agreed to sign with the Angels. According to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports, the deal is expected to be for five years. Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels has confirmed that Hamilton reached an agreement with the Angels.
The Rangers had been quiet this offseason, but now they are returning to the big waves that characterized their winter last year.
They wanted the top free agent on the entire market last year, so they signed Albert Pujols to a 10-year, $254-million contract.
They wanted the top free agent pitcher on the market, so on the same day they inked Pujols, they threw in a nice five-year, $77.5 million contract with C.J. Wilson.
This year the Angels had been a lot quieter. Until Thursday.
Baseball observers should not be surprised. Not only do the Angels have a wealthy owner who is not afraid to spend, but they are also competing with the free-spending Los Angeles Dodgers in one of the nation's most lucrative media markets.
Adding Hamilton to the outfield could allow the Angels to trade Peter Bourjos, a young and talented centerfielder who seems unlikely to ever claim his natural position. Mike Trout, the reigning American League Rookie of the Year and MVP runner-up, will be patrolling center for the foreseeable future.
Adding Hamilton creates a devastating middle-of-the-order for the Angels, featuring Hamilton, Albert Pujols, Mark Trumbo, and Kendrys Morales.
The Angels were a major disappointment last season, failing to even make the playoffs. But we should never count on them standing pat while the free agent market dries up.