Angels Prepare For Future Without Glaus



From the LA Times' Bill Shakin :

The Angels plan to cut ties with third baseman Troy Glaus, handing the position to rookie Dallas McPherson and positioning the team for a possible run at center fielder Carlos Beltran, the crown jewel of free agency.




"From a financial standpoint, McPherson fits better than Glaus (above) and we've got other needs," Angel General Manager Bill Stoneman said Friday. "We'll probably make use of our resources in other areas."
 
The Angels plan to move center fielder Garret Anderson to left and keep former center fielder Darin Erstad at first base, leaving starting pitching and center field as the top two winter priorities.

With the contracts of Glaus and pitchers Troy Percival, Kevin Appier, Ramon Ortiz and Aaron Sele expiring, the Angels could drop $41.5 million from their 2004 payroll, more than enough to join the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros as top bidders for Beltran. The Angels also might bid on pitcher Pedro Martinez.

Stoneman does not comment on potential acquisitions. Scott Boras, the agent for Beltran, did not return a call for comment. Boras, whose office is in Orange County, has developed a cordial working relationship with Angel owner Arte Moreno.

Based on everything we read, Moreno seems committed to spending whatever it takes to keep the Angels in contention, if not overtake the Dodgers in the hearts and minds of Southern Californians. The next several years will only get tougher for the budget-conscious Mariners, Rangers and A's.

Posted: Sat - October 30, 2004 at 02:29 PM      

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