The Los Angeles Angels have made plenty of moves in the offseason, but so far have not been able to sign shortstop Erick Aybar to an extension that would keep him on the team after 2012.
Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com reports that general manager Jerry Dipoto has continued speaking with Aybar regarding a contract extension, but doesn't believe that an agreement will be reached before the season begins.
"Very much a possibility," Dipoto said of an extension for his shortstop, "but there's nothing imminent and not likely to be anything that occurs before the start of the season. ... It's possible something could occur, but I wouldn't say it's likely."
Although the Angels were able to work out a four-year extension with Howie Kendrick this offseason, Aybar instead opted to pick up a $5.075 million contract via arbitration.
Aybar may be planning to test the market after 2012. He is coming off his first Gold Glove season and a career offensive year. Dipoto expressed his desire to retain Aybar for the long-term and he remains confident that the Angels can still come to an agreement with Aybar before his contract is up.
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