How Torii's stance could affect Angels
A team’s offseason strategy can shift a dozen different ways between now and November. But if Torii Hunter is indeed willing to re-sign with the Angels for a discount, the team’s picture could be clearer.
Hunter, a potential free agent, told the Los Angeles Times that the Angels are the “only team I want to play for” and that money “will not be an issue” in his contract negotiations.
If that’s the case — and if the Angels truly intend to keep outfielder Peter Bourjos rather than trade him — then the odd man could be designated hitter Kendrys Morales, who will be entering his final year of arbitration.
The Angels could trade or non-tender Morales. Hunter would become the fourth outfielder and share the DH role with Vernon Wells, whom the Angels, of course, also would love to trade. Wells is owed $21 million in both 2013 and ’14.
But the team, by saving money on Hunter and dropping Morales, could devote most of its resources to pitching.
The Angels hold a $15.5 million option on right-hander Dan Haren and a $13 million option on righty Ervin Santana. Declining one or both would give them the flexibility to pursue other options in the free-agent market.
— Ken Rosenthal
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Kendrys needs to regain his power swing, and his eye. In time I think he can. Give him 1 off season to get in better shape. Non tender him and put him in winter ball. From there you possibly shop him. I hate to say it, but unless the halos get something solid in return, keep morales. Where else will the Halos generate power? I think it's better to trade Wells and eat 50-60% of his contract. It keeps the OF in tact and its cutting the losses ( I know, not my money).There are teams who are borderline playoffs and I'd risk trading him to a team like that. Trade for prospects and use those for relief help. Haren will bounce back, as for Santana, use him in the bullpen til you trade him. He doesn't have the confidence to be consistent. He has the stuff just not the consistency. Richards is a keeper and Bourjos needs AB's to develop more. He'll grow along with Trout and Trumbo. Ken, the Halos need an above average 3B to be able to threaten teams. The order is too top heavy. I trust Weave, CJ, Haren, Richards, Williams - has 1 good season left looks like it. The Halos will save money, once Hunter takes less, Wells is gone, Santana is traded.
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50-60%? I'm not sure you're aware of just how abysmal Wells has been.
Try 95%+. And you can forget about netting anything close to a promising prospect in return. The Angels would be fortunate to get a box of baseballs.
Also, as soon as a player is non-tendered, he is no longer affiliated with the team. So it would be impossible for the Angels to "shop" him at such a juncture.
