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Angels sign Brian Fuentes
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Moving to fill a gaping hole created by the departure of closer Francisco Rodriguez, the Angels have signed Merced native Brian Fuentes to a two-year, $17.5 million contract. The deal includes a $9 million vesting option for 2011 based on games finished, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
Fuentes, 33, saved 30 games in 34 chances for Colorado in 2008. The left-hander has made three all-star appearances for the National League. Fuentes broke into the bigs in 2001 with Seattle, but it wasn’t until 2005 that he established himself with a 31-save effort for the Rox.
The signing signals that general manager Tony Reagins wasn’t comfortable with either Scot Shields or Jose Arredondo as K-Rod’s replacement.
Rodriguez, playing for a much better team, posted superior save numbers than Fuentes, but the pair faired favorably in other categories.
Fuentes: 2.73 ERA, 82 strikeouts vs. 22 walks in 62.2 innings, .205 BA, 1.101 WHIP
Rodriguez: 2.24 ERA, 77 strikeouts vs. 34 walks in 68.1 innings, .216 BA, 1.288 WHIP
With their bullpen solidified, the Angels’ next move might be to add some juice to their offense in the wake of Mark Teixeira’s departure. The Internet rumor mill, however, doesn’t have the Angels in on any of the remaining big bats. Manny Ramirez (Dodgers), Milton Bradley (Cubs or Rays) and Adam Dunn (Dodgers, Nationals or Rays) aren’t on the Angels’ radar. But Reagins and Arte Moreno might pounce on an unexpected bargain come late January.
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