The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim head into the 2010 MLB winter meetings shopping for an impact free agent. General manager Tony Reagins has been quiet so far this offseason, but did sign left-handed reliever Hisanori Takahashi to a two-year, $8 million deal last week. Here is a summary of where the Angels are at heading into the baseball winter meetings, which begin Monday in Orlando, Florida.
Additions already made: LHP Hisanori Takahashi
Key Departures: DH Hideki Matsui, RHP Scot Shields
Payroll: The Angels have $85.4 million committed to 10 players for 2011, plus another eight players in line for raises through salary arbitration, most notably Jered Weaver, who could become a very rich man this winter. The Angels payroll will likely top $120 million, at least, in 2011.
What to expect: The Angels are expected to push hard for Carl Crawford, perhaps the best all around player on the free agent market. Crawford, in addition to his offense, is an excellent defender and base runner, and would fit nicely in left field, presumably with rookie Peter Bourjos in center field and Torii Hunter in right. This would not only give the Angels potentially one of the best defensive outfields in baseball, but would also shift Bobby Abreu to designated hitter. Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times called the Angels, along with the Red Sox, front runners to land Crawford.
The Angels could also go after Rafael Soriano, the top closer on the market, but it might prove too costly for them, especially considering they will pay relievers Fernando Rodney ($5.5 million) and Takahashi ($3.8 million) quite handsomely in 2011.
For more Angels winter meetings news and analysis, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Halos Heaven.