Erick Aybar, Angels Close To Contract Extension Per Report

According to a report from ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are nearing a contract extension with shortstop Erick Aybar, which is expected to be announced sometime on Thursday by the club.

Aybar's contract will be somewhere around $35 million guaranteed over four years, paying him about $8.5 million a year or so, sources told Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes L.A. He is set to receive his 2011 American League Gold Glove award before their game against Oakland on Thursday, around the time when the team will likely make the announcement.

The 28 year-old owns a carrer .274 batting average, including a .279 clip with 10 homers, 59 RBI's and 30 stolen bases in 2011 to go along with his first gold glove. Aybar would have been eligible for free agency this year.

With Howie Kendrick locked-up long tern as well, the middle infield for the Angels should be gravy for a while to come once Aybar signs his extension.

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