Angels' Payroll Options
Total
2009
C
Mike Napoli
$425,000
C
Jeff Mathis
$415,000
1B
Kendry Morales
$600,000
2B
Howie Kendrick
$432,500
3B
Chone Figgins *
$4,750,000
SS
Maicer Izturis *
$1,200,000
LF
CF
Torii Hunter
$17,500,000
RF
Vlad Guerrero
$15,000,000
DH
Gary Matthews Jr
$10,000,000
Brandon Wood
$415,000
Sean Rodriguez
$415,000
Erick Aybar
$415,000
Reggie Willits
$432,000
SP
John Lackey
$9,000,000
SP
Ervin Santana
$420,000
SP
Joe Saunders
$425,000
SP
Jered Weaver
$435,000
SP
Closer
Setup
Scot Shields
$5,000,000
RP
Jose Arredondo
$415,000
RP
Justin Speier
$4,750,000
RP
Kevin Jepsen
$415,000
Kelvim Escobar
$9,500,000
Dustin Moseley
$415,000
Rich Thompson
$415,000
$83,189,500
* = Arbitration Eligible
The Angels' payroll in 2008 was roughly $120M, and owner Arte Moreno has stated he'd like for it to remain the same for 2009. However, he has also said the payroll could be increased for the "right player". Gone will be Francisco Rodriguez, Jon Garland, Garret Anderson and Juan Rivera which will free up about $36M. The Angels figure to go hard after free-agent Mark Teixeira after his half season with the team. Teixeira could receive a contract in the range of 6 to 8 years at $18M - $20M per year. Another rumored free-agent target is C.C. Sabathia. Sabathia could command 6 years for $144M ($24M per year). If the Angels sign both of these high price players, they'd be right around the $120M limit.
The Angels could move Chone Figgins to LF, freeing up 3B for Brandon Wood, and could trade one of their middle infielders for starting pitching, especially if Kelvim Escobar is unable to return after season-ending shoulder surgery. Escobar isn't expected to return until at least mid-season, making another starter a priority. Jose Arredondo or Scot Shields, or possibly an affordable free agent, figure to inherit the closer position.
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