Fernando Rodney: 2010 contract- $5.5 million; 2011 contract- $5.5 million.
With the trade of Brian Fuentes to the Minnesota Twins, Angels' management was clearly sending a message that they felt Rodney was well prepared to be the closer of the future for the Halos.
If Rodney can harness his control and effectively use his slider and changeup, he could absolutely be a dominant closer in the American League. Key word here is control.
- Fernando Rodney: 2010 contract- $5.5 million; 2011 contract- $5.5 million. With the trade of Brian Fuentes to the Minnesota Twins, Angels' management was clearly sending a message that they felt Rodney was well prepared to be the closer of the future for the Halos. If Rodney can harness his control and effectively use his slider and changeup, he could absolutely be a dominant closer in the American League. Key word here is control.
- Scot Shields: 2010 contract- $5.35 million, free agent at end of season. Between 2003-08, Shields was one of the best relievers in all of baseball, however he has now suffered through back-to-back seasons in which he has fiddled with his arm mechanics and delivery in hopes of regaining past glory. Don't expect GM Reagins to come calling again at the end of the season, especially considering the hefty price tag for a reliever with issues.
- Jered Weaver: 2010 contract- $4.265 million, eligible for arbitration. With less than six years of major league service, Weaver is still under control of the Angels. Weaver is 11-11 this season with a 3.12 ERA, and has been the victim of very poor run support. He will clearly join Dan Haren as co-ace at the top of the rotation, and should be considered a top priority in terms of a contract extension by GM Tony Reagins.
- Juan Rivera: 2010 contract- $4.25 million; 2011 contract- $5.25 million. Rivera's stock has definitely fallen this season, as a crowded outfield and somewhat down season diminished his role with the Angels. Even with the recent move to first base, giving him more versatility, look for GM Reagins to try to move him this offseason for the right mix of bullpen help and prospects.
- Mike Napoli: 2010 contract- $3.6 million, still arbitration eligible. While Napoli may have decent power numbers (21 HR, 60 RBI), he has clearly fallen out of favor with manager Mike Scioscia, with Juan Rivera getting more starts at first base and Jeff Mathis at catcher. Napoli is hitting just .202 with runners in scoring position, and strikes out a ton, which would give reason for Scioscia to be beyond impatient with him.
- Cesar Izturis: 2010 contract- $2.76 million; 2011 contract- $4 million. Izturis has suffered through a difficult season, hitting .245 with 3 HR and 25 RBI in just 59 games. Izturis, currently on the DL with shoulder inflammation, has no timetable for his return this season, and will probably be very glad when this horrific season finally comes to an end. When healthy, Izturis is a pesky .275 hitter who can run a bit and plays solid defense.
- Erick Aybar: 2010 contract- $2.05 million, under Angels' control, arbitration eligible. Aybar, hitting .265 for the season, had a miserable August, hitting just .211, but has heated up of late. Although already committing six more errors this season than all of last season, Aybar is a decent fielding shortstop with good range, and unless Brandon Wood shows his full offensive potential, look for Aybar to once again be the shortstop in 2011.
- Howie Kendrick: 2010 contract- $1.75 million, under club control, arbitration eligible. Kendrick has put up solid numbers in his first full year as the Angels second baseman, with 10 HR and 65 RBI along with a .278 average. At 27 years of age, there is certainly still plenty of upside for Kendrick. Look for the Angels to lock him in for years to come.
- Jeff Mathis: 2010 contract- $1.3 million, under club control, arbitration eligible. Mathis is definitely an upgrade defensively over Mike Napoli, but with a .193 average and close to one strikeout every three at-bats, Mathis will only have a future as a defensive replacement and occasional starter. Look for the Angels to explore catching options this off-season.
- Kendry Morales: 2010 contract- $1.2 million. Morales, who went down for the season after suffering a broken leg while celebrating a walk-off grand slam home run on May 29, was hitting .290 with 11 HR and 39 RBI prior to that. He has developed into a potential 30 HR, 110 RBI hitter, and despite the freak injury, figures prominently into the future for the Angels.
- Reggie Willits: 2010 contract- $0.625 million, under club control. Willits has seen action in just 71 games this season, and is no more than a part-time player. His value is in that he can play all outfield positions, and serves a useful purpose in that role.
- In part three of our series, we'll take a look at the rest of the roster, and discuss possible options as the Angels explore free agent possibilities during the offseason.
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