The Los Angeles Angels have officially announced their blockbuster trade on Friday afternoon. The club was in the mix to land Zack Greinke all week long, and they outbid the Rangers, Braves and others to land the Brewers' ace pitcher. The move comes about three days before the non-waiver trade deadline would pass.
Greinke, 28, went 9-3 with a 3.44 ERA (123 IP - 47 ER) in 21 starts this season with Milwaukee. He spent the 2011 campaign with the Brewers, compiling a 16-6 mark with a 3.83 ERA (171.2 IP - 73 ER) in 28 starts. The 16 wins matched his career-high set in 2009 with KC when he claimed the American League Cy Young Award.
The righty out of Orlando, Florida has had quite a career in the big leagues. The right-hander has averaged 32 starts and 206 IP over the last four full seasons. His best season came in 2009 when he went 16-8 with six complete games, an A.L-leading 2.16 ERA (229.1 IP - 55 ER) and 242 strikeouts, taking home the A.L. Cy Young Award. The 2009 all-star is currently in the final year of a four-year contract (2009-12) and owns an all-time record of 85-76 with a 3.79 ERA (1402.2 IP - 590 ER) in 259 games, including 218 starts.
Greinke will become a free agent at the end of the season. He is expected to receive a payday upwards of $100 million.
As for the prospects heading to Milwaukee, they are all highly regarded. Shortstop Jean Segura was the No. 1 prospect in the system following the graduation of Mike Trout. Ariel Pena has the potential to be a setup man or even a closer one day if he harnesses his control. John Hellweg projects to be a No. 3 or No. 4 starter at the next level.
Greinke already has one big fan in Anaheim.
Zach Greinke is an Angel. Wow! Luv this organization.
— Torii Hunter (@toriihunter48) July 28, 2012
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