The January 29th, 2015 edition of Los Angeles Angels news including Angels open to extensions for Street and Iannetta, Freese avoids arbitration and much more…
The Story: The Angels are open to extensions for Huston Street and Chris Iannetta.
The Monkey Says: I don’t like paying relievers and I really don’t like long-term contracts for a reliever with the health history that Street has. An extension for a catcher that turns 32 right after Opening Day probably isn’t a great idea either. However, the Halos don’t have a starting caliber replacement in their farm system, so giving Iannetta a two-year extension does make some sense.
The Story: David Freese agreed to a one-year $6.425 million contract to avoid arbitration.
The Monkey Says: That was the midpoint of the figures exchanged. The Halos will almost certainly let Freese walk after the season.
The Story: Keith Law ranks the Angels as having the 27th-best farm system in MLB.
The Monkey Says: He likes Heaney, Newcomb and Baldoquin but doesn’t see much else worth getting excited about. Sadly, this is a move up the rankings for the Halos.
The Story: PECOTA projects that Angels to have the best record in the American League.
The Monkey Says: Other tidbits are that PECOTA sees bounceback seasons for Hamilton and Wilson, major regression for Shoemaker and second base becoming a vast wasteland for the Angels.
The Story: Jerry Dipoto is already downplaying the odds of the Angels signing any of the big name free agent pitchers next offseason.
The Monkey Says: He likes the depth they have built, so it doesn’t look to be a major need right now, but things can change. Plus, they still won’t be out of luxury tax danger next offseason, so that will definitely limit the club.
The Story: Joe Blanton is coming out of retirement.
The Monkey Says: Well, he’s going to try. Whether the teams play along and offer him any kind of contract remains to be seen. I’m just saying that James Shields is actually good and can’t get anyone to sign him, so I can’t imagine that there is any real level of interest in Blanton.
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