MLB rumors: Joe Blanton close to two-year deal with Angels

The Los Angeles Angels are on the verge of signing free agent starting pitcher Joe Blanton, according to several sources. Jon Heyman of CBSSports is reporting that the deal is for two years and $15 million.

Blanton was 10-13 with a 4.71 ERA for the Phillies and Dodgers last season, though did post a fine 166/34 K/BB ratio as well. The right-hander is 83-75 with a 4.37 ERA over a nine-year career that has included stops in Oakland, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. Blanton last pitched in the American League for Oakland in 2008.

Blanton is presumably coming in to be the fifth starter in a rotation that already includes Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson and Tommy Hanson. The team would still need one more starting pitcher, and the move is not said to change plans to add another free-agent starter. Among the targets is Zack Greinke, the top free-agent pitcher on the market.