Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

For Angels, Bay, Lackey and Figgins are all in play

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November 20

Los Angeles Times

"Matt Holliday is not coming. Jason Bay might be coming. John Lackey and Chone Figgins are not coming back -- not together, anyway. Those were the highlights of the state of the Angels address delivered by owner Arte Moreno on Thursday, after baseball's owners concluded their meetings here. The free-agent shopping season opens today, with owners citing an uncertain economic forecast in suggesting players might linger on the market well into the winter. Yet Moreno left one thing absolutely certain: The Angels have no interest in outfielder Matt Holliday, perhaps the best position player available in free agency. "He is not going to be an Angel," Moreno said. "We are not looking at Holliday ..."

Torii Hunter to have surgery to repair sports hernia

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November 20

Los Angeles Times

"Torii Hunter will undergo surgery on Monday in Dallas to repair a sports hernia, an injury the Angels center fielder expects to fully recover from by the start of spring training next February. The nine-time Gold Glove Award winner originally suffered the right groin injury in late May when he crashed into the wall at Dodger Stadium. He aggravated the injury several times in June before going to the disabled list for five weeks from July 10 to Aug. 16."

Dodgers won't be pursuing John Lackey

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November 19

Los Angeles Times

"Even with starting pitching as their most pressing need, the Dodgers do not plan to pursue John Lackey, the best starter available in free agency. As baseball's owners concluded their quarterly meetings here today, amid predictions from other National League executives that the Dodgers could lower their payroll substantially, Dodgers President Dennis Mannion said General Manager Ned Colletti has not been ordered to trade one of the team's eight arbitration-eligible players to save money. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who has not spoken publicly since his divorce proceedings started last month, declined an interview request. McCourt's estranged wife, Jamie, has asked a court to rule that she ..."

Angels owner: Bay, not Holliday, a possible pursuit

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November 19

Foxsports.com

"Angels owner Arte Moreno said today that he could envision his team pursuing Jason Bay — but not Matt Holliday — in the event that his team's prominent free agents sign elsewhere. Moreno said he would like to bring back John Lackey, Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero but acknowledged that it's unlikely the Angels can afford all three."

Angels focused on own free agents

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November 19

MLB.com

"The waiting game continues for the three-time reigning American League West champion Angels. With six players eligible for bids when free agency's doors swing open at 9:01 p.m. PT on Thursday night, the Angels have much to resolve before forging on with the shaping of their 2010 roster. Ace John Lackey, offensive catalyst Chone Figgins and cleanup man Vladimir Guerrero all are ready to start fielding offers along with bullpen glue Darren Oliver, versatile Robb Quinlan and comeback-minded Kelvim Escobar. "I don't think anything's changed from our perspective," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who is in constant contact with general manager Tony Reagins. "Those guys are all priorities for ..."

Scioscia is Angels' natural-born leader

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November 19

Orange County Register

columnist Mark Whicker

"Moose Stubing, the Angels' former third base coach and now a Washington scout, stopped by Mike Scioscia's office in August. Stubing managed El Paso when Scioscia was a Double-A catcher for San Antonio. The two reminisced about the Texas League, and Scioscia rattled off the players: Stubing's players. He talked about Bobby Clark and Mark Clear "and a little lefty, Daniel Boone, right?" Right, Stubing said. This was 1978. There was another day when someone remembered that Ron Washington, the Texas manager, played very briefly for the Dodgers. Scioscia said it couldn't have happened because Washington suffered a terrible knee injury in the minor leagues. Someone actually had a media guide ..."

Angels' Hunter could need surgery

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November 19

Orange County Register

"The groin injury that sent Torii Hunter to the disabled list for five weeks in mid-season might require surgery this off-season. Hunter has had lingering issues with the injured area even after returning from the DL and was examined by Dr. Daniel Cooper in Dallas on Thursday. Cooper is a team physician for both the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Stars with some expertise in the area of sports hernias. "I'm aware that he had to be further evaluated," Angels GM Tony Reagins said, declining to comment on the likelihood of Hunter requiring surgery. "We're still gathering information." Hunter originally suffered the injury last season when he ran into the wall at Dodger Stadium in pursuit of fly ..."

Holliday, Bay, Lackey top Mets' shopping list

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November 19

New York Post

"The Mets have talked a good game about spending money and retooling this offseason. Now it's time to back it all up. With free agency at hand starting at 12:01 tomorrow morning, all eyes will be on the Wilpons and general manager Omar Minaya to see if they follow through on their public vow to be major players in the market this winter. Coming off this year's 70-92 disaster, the Mets have a pressing need for more power and openings that include a left fielder, a No. 2 starter, a veteran catcher, a platoon first baseman and a setup man for All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez. The Mets have identified Matt Holliday and Jason Bay as top candidates to fill the power void in left, John Lackey ..."

Angels' Scioscia earns his wings

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November 19

L.A. Daily News

"Mike Scioscia had his most challenging year managing the Angels. Pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a car accident in April, and the Angels understandably struggled afterward. But under Scioscia's guidance, the Angels turned a season of heartbreak into one of success, all while honoring their fallen teammate. The Angels made it to the American League Championship Series, but their storybook season ended as the New York Yankees dominated the ALCS and went on to win the World Series. On Wednesday, the 50-year-old Scioscia was named the American League manager of the year. Scioscia had 106 points, including 15 first-place votes, in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. ..."

Mike Scioscia runs away with AL manager-of-the-year honors

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November 19

Los Angeles Times

"Tragedy struck three days into the 2009 season, when 22-year-old pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in an April 9 automobile accident, a devastating blow that could have given the Angels every reason to fold. Mike Scioscia would not allow that to happen. The veteran manager helped navigate a grief-stricken team through Adenhart's death and a flurry of injuries to key players to lead the Angels to another division title, a performance that earned Scioscia American League manager-of-the-year honors Wednesday. Scioscia received 15 of the 28 first-place votes and 106 total points in balloting by members of the Baseball Writers' Assn. of America to finish ahead of Minnesota's Ron Gardenhire (72 ..."

Scioscia wins AL Manager of the Year award

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November 18

Orange County Register

"Angels manager Mike Scioscia won his second American League Manager of the Year award today, as voted by the Baseball Writers Association of America. The Angels skipper also won the award in 2002 when the Angels won the World Series. Scioscia, 50, guided the club to its fifth postseason appearance in seven years and its third appearance in the American League Championship Series in that span. Former Dodgers manager Jim Tracy, who compiled a 74-42 record with the Colorado Rockies after he replaced Clint Hurdle and won the National League wild-card, won the NL Award. To me there were two legitimate candidates for AL award. Scioscia led the Angels to another American League West title, under ..."

Angels' Mike Scioscia named AL manager of the year

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November 18

Los Angeles Times

"Mike Scioscia, who helped navigate the Angels through the tragic April 9 death of pitcher Nick Adenhart and a flurry of injuries to key players to win another division title, was named American League manager of the year today. It marked the second time in 10 years with the Angels that Scioscia has won the award, which is voted on by members of the Baseball Writers Assn. of America. Scioscia last won the award in 2002. The Angels went 97-65 this season, winning their fifth AL West championship in six years, and defeated the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the playoffs. The Angels were eliminated by the eventual World Series-champion New York Yankees in the AL championship series. The ..."

Big package needed to acquire Adrian Gonzalez

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November 18

SI.com

"Adrian Gonzalez: Any acquiring team would have to put together a tremendous package for the superstar player with the most reasonable multiyear contract in baseball ($10.5 million over the next two years). The silliest rumor so far had Gonzalez possibly going in a three-way trade with Paul Konerko going to the Angels and prospects to the Padres. Beyond the fact the Angels have a great first baseman in Kendry Morales, Konerko's high contract makes him a giveaway at this point."

Nationals interested in John Lackey

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November 18

MLB.com

"The Nationals are one of several teams who have expressed interest in free agent right-hander John Lackey, according to a baseball source. The team is reportedly in competition with the Angels, Red Sox, Yankees and Mets for his services. The Nationals are looking for an ace who can tutor pitchers such as John Lannan, Ross Detwiler and Stephen Strasburg. Washington has been looking for this type of pitcher since after the Trade Deadine. It ended up signing right-hander Livan Hernandez in late August. While he did a god job for the Nationals, it's less than 50-50 that he will return to the club. Lackey, who is 31-years old, has played his entire eight-year career with the Angels. He ..."

Angels GM says focus is not on outfielder Matt Holliday

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November 17

Los Angeles Times

"General Manager Tony Reagins on Monday shot down a Foxsports.com report that the Angels are one of three teams, along with the Yankees and Red Sox, that have expressed serious interest in free-agent outfielder Matt Holliday. "He's a talented player," Reagins said of Holliday, who hit .313 with 24 home runs and 109 runs batted in for the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals in 2009 and could command a deal in excess of $100 million. "But our focus is not on him right now." The team's top priorities are to re-sign pitcher John Lackey and third baseman Chone Figgins, but Reagins, who secured outfielder Bobby Abreu to a three-year, $19-million deal on Nov. 5, hinted that it is unlikely ..."

No lack of interest in Angels pitcher

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November 15

MLB.com

"All eyes were on John Lackey as a 23-year-old rookie when he won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series, and all eyes are on him seven years later now that he's finally a free agent. The big Angels right-hander is in the enviable position of being the top name in the pitching category of the Hot Stove season, and already the clubs are lining up to have a word with his agent, Steve Hilliard. As a busy Friday turned into a relatively quiet Saturday, Hilliard and Lackey could take a weekend to reflect on the interest that's already white-hot even before the Angels lose exclusive negotiating rights next Friday a minute after midnight. The Red Sox, Mets and Brewers have already had discussions with ..."

Sox doing their due diligence on Lackey

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November 14

Boston Globe

"The Red Sox also spoke to CC Sabathia and had a meeting with A.J. Burnett's agents last winter, but it was more a case of Theo Epstein doing his due diligence on the free agent front. A major league source confirmed that Epstein did the same on free-agent righty John Lackey in Chicago during the General Manager's Meetings. The Red Sox do have a need for a starting pitcher. They were after Felix Hernandez, Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay at the trading deadline, therefore it would reason that they would have interest in Lackey and would surely get involved with Hernandez if Seattle can't work out a long-term deal with the best young pitcher in the game. Halladay is also available to them in a ..."

Red Sox eye John Lackey

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November 14

Boston Herald

"Six weeks ago, John Lackey hastened the Red Sox along the short road to winter vacation with a dominating victory in Game 1 of the AL Division Series for the Los Angeles Angels. Now, he may be one of their first targets in free agency. According to a major league source, the Sox met with the right-hander's agent at the GM meetings earlier this week in Chicago. The Sox expressed preliminary interest in the consensus top starter on the market. Although the club currently has its entire rotation under contract - Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield - last season proved there's no such thing as too much pitching. The Red Sox burned through 11 starters ..."

Amazin's 'absolutely in' on Chone

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November 12

New York Post

"Though they are fixated on adding a power bat such as Matt Holliday's or Jason Bay's, the Mets are in the words of an involved party "absolutely in" on free agent Chone Figgins. One Mets official said Figgins would be "hard to fit" into their current situation. Translation: It would be a whole lot easier if they could trade the two years and $12 million left on Luis Castillo's contract to create money and a second base opening for Figgins. "Castillo is definitely in play," an NL executive said. For example, the Mets talked to the Diamondbacks about flipping Castillo for catcher Chris Snyder, a discussion that now appears dead. The other alternative would be to play Figgins in left field ..."

Mets eye free agents Orlando Hudson, Chone Figgins

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November 12

New York Daily News

"Trying to rid themselves of an ill-advised contract, the Mets shopped Luis Castillo during the GM Meetings that concluded Wednesday. Still, despite the veteran second baseman hitting .302 this season and staying healthy, GM Omar Minaya may have a difficult time moving Castillo. Castillo is midway through a four-year, $25 million deal that blocked the Mets from signing free agent Orlando Hudson last winter. Castillo had met with team officials at the end of the 2008 season to apologize for his performance and request to remain with the team. The Chicago Tribune reported the Cubs are interested in Castillo and are attempting to rope in a third team such as Tampa Bay or Texas as a way of ..."

Mets 'absolutely in' on Figgins, could replace Castillo

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November 11

New York Post

"Though they are fixated on adding a power bat such as Matt Holliday or Jason Bay, the Mets are in the words of an involved party "absolutely in" on free agent Chone Figgins. One Mets official said Figgins would be "hard to fit" into their current situation. Translation: It would be a whole lot easier if they could trade the two years at $12 million left on Luis Castillo's contract to create money and a second base opening for Figgins. "Castillo is definitely in play," an NL executive said. For example, the Mets talked to the Diamondbacks about flipping Castillo for catcher Chris Snyder, a discussion that now appears dead. The other alternative would be to play Figgins in left field and try ..."

Versatile Figgins drawing plenty of interest, especially from Phillies

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November 11

SI.com

"Beyond the "Big Three" free agents (Matt Holliday, John Lackey and Jason Bay), there's still some decent action going on here at the GM meetings. And if there's a fourth coveted free agent, it just might be versatile leadoff man Chone Figgins, who is drawing interest from some unexpected sources. The two-time defending National League champion Phillies are said to be intent on pursuing Figgins hard as a potential replacement for Pedro Feliz, whose $5.5 million option was declined. Agents were jolted that a seemingly reasonable option such as that was rejected ("That's what we've come to? Pedro Feliz is a $4 million player?" asked one incredulously). But the reality is that the Phillies ..."

Minaya going after, well, everybody

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November 11

Foxsports.com

"The Mets plan to pursue virtually every big name on the free-agent and trade markets, from Roy Halladay and John Lackey to Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Agents and rival executives, however, are skeptical that the Mets actually will land any of those players, believing that the team ultimately will settle for second-tier talent. Mets general manager Omar Minaya loves to play at the top of the market. And the Mets, coming off a 92-loss season, are not about to tell their fans that they will aim low. Still, the Mets' needs are significant enough that one or two major additions might not put the team in contention. Minaya says he wants to add at least one starting pitcher. The Mets also need ..."

Angels still in hunt to re-sign Lackey

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November 11

Foxsports.com

columnist Ken Rosenthal

"Don't rule the Angels out of the John Lackey sweepstakes just yet. The Angels remain interested in re-signing their free-agent right-hander, according to major-league sources. Plan B, if Lackey signs with another club, could be a renewed effort to trade for Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay. Either way, securing a top-of-the-rotation starter appears to be a priority for the Angels, who recognize that Lackey is drawing early interest from the Yankees, the team that beat them in the American League Championship Series. The loss of Lackey and inability to replace him would leave the Angels with a rotation headed by right-handers Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana and left-handers Joe Saunders ..."

Jeter and Teixeira Receive Gold Glove Awards

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November 11

New York Times

"Derek Jeter, whose defense has been criticized in recent years through statistical analyses, won a Gold Glove award for his defense, joining Yankees teammate Mark Teixeira on the list of American League recipients released Tuesday. No other team had multiple winners. At 35, Jeter became the second-oldest shortstop to win the award; Luis Aparicio won it at 36 in 1970. Jeter has won four Gold Gloves, collecting the others from 2004 to 2006. "I've always taken a great deal of pride in my defense, and being honored with a Gold Glove is an accomplishment I will never overlook," Jeter said in a statement."

Ichiro, Hunter win ninth Gold Gloves

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November 10

MLB.com

"The American League Gold Glove winners, unveiled on Tuesday, showcase the cream of the league's defensive excellence, the ooh-and-aah squad. The dive-and-spin, dirty-uniform parade began with Mark Teixeira, who earned his third Gold Glove -- but first since 2006 -- for an often-overlooked aspect of his game that was every bit as vital to the Yankees' drive to a World Series title as his 39 home runs and 122 RBIs. Teixeira made only four errors in 1,275 chances, to say nothing of the errors by other infielders he prevented with his wide-ranging scoops of errant throws. The Tigers' Placido Polanco earned the award at second base after it had been "borrowed" last year by Boston's Dustin ..."

Angels still trying to keep Figgins; will wait on Vladdy

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November 10

SI.com

"The Angels are trying to keep free agent and leadoff man extraordinaire Chone Figgins in the fold. They've been talking to him about a contract for two months, and Angels GM Tony Reagins said he's "hopeful'' that something can get done. Meanwhile, White Sox GM Ken Williams said Figgins is out of their price range. Reagins said he doesn't expect to make a quick deal with free agent Vladimir Guerrero, but doesn't rule out one later. That possibility might depend on Guerrero not getting what he wants elsewhere first, then coming back to the Angels later."

Yankees won't lack for Lackey, Mets hesitant

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November 10

SI.com

"The Yankees are expected to make a play for top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, as was reported here on Monday, and there are indications that they are considering something in "the range of A.J. Burnett,'' which means $82.5 million over five years. Lackey is better than Burnett in many ways. But, considering a diminishing appetite for big contracts among other teams, one competing GM opined, "If the Yankees do that, they'll get him.'' Beyond Lackey plus outfielders Matt Holliday and Bay, the market is one of the weaker ones in years. Some very needy teams (i.e. the Mets) are generally unenthused about the market, especially from a starting pitching standpoint. "Some years are better than ..."

Cubs trying hard to trade Bradley

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November 10

SI.com

"The Cubs are trying hard to dump the perennially malcontented Milton Bradley here at the GM meetings, as it isn't just manager Lou Piniella who didn't connect with him in his season here. Apparently, several key members of the team -- including Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano -- barely speak to Bradley. "I don't think they dislike him. But Milton's a unique guy who doesn't fit in, like the oddball kid in class,'' one Cubs-connected person said. "He doesn't try to fit in. The other guys tried to take him in, but he's one of those kids that simply doesn't want to be part of anything,'' one Cubs person said. The Chicago Tribune reported that a Bradley blowup with now-deposed hitting coach ..."

ChiSox not confident about Figgins

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November 10

Foxsports.com

"The White Sox need a leadoff man, but the team still expects that free agent Chone Figgins will be out of their price range. Figgins could fit for the Sox at third, with the White Sox moving newly acquired Mark Teahen to right field, or in left field. Rival scouts and executives view Teahen as a below-average defender at third, but the Sox likely will keep him in that spot and seek an outfielder who could hit at the top of the order. If the Sox added no one, they could use Gordon Beckham at leadoff. Another option could be top outfield prospect Jordan Danks, who could emerge as this year's Beckham from the farm system. The expectation, however, is that the Sox will add a leadoff man."

Brewers unlikely to land Lackey

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November 10

Foxsports.com

"The Brewers badly need starting pitching. They bid $100 million for left-hander CC Sabathia last winter. But they do not expect to be a serious player for righty John Lackey, the top free agent available this offseason. Lackey, Brewers officials believe, would prefer to go to a larger market. The Brewers almost certainly would not make the best offer, and Lackey might only use their proposal to persuade other clubs to bid higher. The Brewers' most pressing decision involves whether to exercise the $6.5 million option on right-hander Braden Looper or pay him a $1 million buyout. They are likely to pursue mid-rotation starters such as left-handers Doug Davis and Jarrod Washburn."

Brian Cashman begins planning for 2010, could eye Angels' John Lackey

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November 10

Los Angeles Times

"The Yankees may still be celebrating their World Series title, but for Brian Cashman, the time to rejoice is over. Cashman went back to work Monday, arriving at the general manager meetings to begin assembling a roster that will try to repeat as champions in 2010. After he broke the bank last winter to sign CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixeira, will the Yankees' World Series title ease the pressure on Cashman to make another big splash in the coming weeks? "I don't think it changes anything," Cashman said of the championship. "It's over. This is all about 2010 now." One focus for 2010 could be John Lackey. The righthander is the one player the Yankees are intrigued by, according ..."

Phillies decline Feliz' 2010 option

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November 9

Philadelphia Daily News

"THE PHILLIES are officially in the market for a third baseman, bringing a new level of intrigue to the offseason as members of the front office arrive in Chicago today for the start of baseball's annual general managers meetings. Last night, the club announced that it has declined Pedro Feliz' $5.5 million option for the 2010 season, making the 2-year starter a free agent. It leaves general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. with an opportunity to upgrade a lineup that led the National League in runs and home runs, but was prone to maddening stretches of impotence, thanks in part to its vulnerability against lefthanded pitchers. Feliz contributed to both areas, driving in 82 runs and hitting .336 ..."

Figgins a tough decision for Angels

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November 8

Orange County Register

columnist Mark Whicker

"On July 14, 2001, the Register reported the Angels had traded Kimera Bartee to Colorado for an infielder named Desmond Figgins. Desmond DeChone Figgins, to be precise. None of his three names seemed destined for fame. Figgins had spent two years in the Carolina League. He did have a fanciful 34 triples that second year, but he was in Double-A when the Angels got him. It was hard to imagine that he would ever be a tough decision for the Angels. He is now. Assuming that he files for free agency, Chone Figgins is fixing to find out how much he is loved and, more important, valued. He is one of the best offensive players in this class. Even the most critical Angels fans must admit that Figgins ..."

Could Oakland A's go after Chone Figgins or Vladimir Guerrero?

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November 8

Contra Costa Times

"Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero, a pair of free agents from the Los Angeles Angels, could be offseason targets of the Oakland A's. At least that's part of the speculation of Jon Heyman of the MLB Network. Where would Figgins fit in with the A's? Would adding the injury-prone Guerrero be just another in a line of the A's failed signings of declining All-Stars?"

Angels give GM Tony Reagins a long-term contract extension

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November 7

Los Angeles Times

"In his 18 years with the Angels, Tony Reagins has set up bat-boy promotions, evaluated minor league players and signed one of the top center fielders in Torii Hunter. There's one thing Reagins still yearns to do: construct a World Series champion. "We have some unfinished business around here," he said. The Angels gave their general manager a lot more wiggle room in that quest Friday with what was described as a "long-term" contract extension that one club official said was at least as long as the three-year deal Reagins signed in 2007 to replace Bill Stoneman."

Angels re-sign outfielder Bobby Abreu

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November 6

Los Angeles Times

"Last summer the Angels spent about $1,600 buying a couple of baubles for Bobby Abreu in recognition of career milestones the outfielder achieved largely while playing for other teams. As it turns out, that might be the best money the team has ever spent. Because Thursday the outfielder announced he would pass up free agency to re-sign with the Angels. And he said those two crystal mementos helped seal the deal. "Those trophies they gave me, it meant a lot," Abreu said. "And I really respect the Angels for doing that." Of course the fact the club followed up with a two-year, $19-million contract with a club option for a third season at $9 million didn't hurt either."

Angels, Abreu agree to new contract

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November 5

Orange County Register

"On the first day eligible players can file for free agency, the Angels headed that off with one of their seven potential free agents by reaching agreement with outfielder Bobby Abreu on a two-year contract with a club option for 2012. Abreu, 35, signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Angels on the eve of spring training this year. He hit .293 with 96 runs scored, 103 RBI and 30 stolen bases. "I am very happy to sign this contract," Abreu said in the team's press release. "I really enjoyed my first season with the club. The Angels are a solid organization, with an outstanding team and great fans. With the talent we have, I look forward to the opportunity of post-season competition once ..."

Matthews wants out of LA

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Oktober 28

Los Angeles Times

"Three key Angels headed for free agency -- Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu and Vladimir Guerrero -- have publicly expressed a desire to return to Anaheim, and center fielder Torii Hunter, after talking to free-agent pitcher John Lackey, is convinced the right-hander wants to remain an Angel. Gary Matthews Jr.? Not so much. The disgruntled outfielder with two years and $23 million left on his contract wants no part of the Angels in 2010, and he reiterated his request to be traded -- or released -- while cleaning out his Angel Stadium locker Tuesday. "I don't expect to be back; it's time to move on," Matthews said. "I'm ready to play for an organization that wants me to play every day. This ..."

Angels facing roster dilemma

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Oktober 27

Orange County Register

columnist Mark Whicker

"Last year, Mark Teixeira, Frankie Rodriguez and Garret Anderson were in the Angels' graduating class of sixth-year seniors. They were the free agents who left and probably were taking the Angels' AL West title with them. The Angels went to spring training anyway, and went a step further in the playoffs than they did in 2008 and, probably, wound up a better team. It's not a half-empty, half-full thing. It's the hole-in-the-water theory. Eventually, it gets filled. This year the class is bigger and more substantial. The hole is deeper, too, and there's a water shortage. The possible free agents are John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero, Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu and Darren Oliver. Those are vital ..."

Though New York Yankees and L.A. Angels draw good rating, rain may foil World Series

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Oktober 27

New York Daily News

columnist Bob Raissman

"If you are a Phillies fan, or a baseball purist interested in a level playing field, you might be upset that the World Series is not starting Tuesday night. Philadelphia won the National League pennant last Wednesday. The Phillies will have waited a full week before getting back on the field Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium for Game 1 of the World Series. This made-for-TV scheduling, where the division series and LCS schedules are elongated, is not going to change. The ratings have been relatively healthy in the postseason. Fox (ALCS) is up from 2008 and Turner is slightly down (TBS was victimized by three of the four division series being sweeps and a five-game NLCS). Surprisingly, ..."

For Angels, the end has just begun

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Oktober 27

Los Angeles Times

"A season that began with an unfathomable tragedy did not end in the ultimate triumph. What a story it would have been had the Angels won the World Series and dedicated the title to teammate Nick Adenhart, the 22-year-old pitcher who was killed in an April 9 automobile accident. The New York Yankees tore up that script, ending the Angels' season Sunday night with a 5-2 victory to win the American League Championship Series and earn a berth opposite the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series, which begins Wednesday. But the plot thickens for the Angels, who, with five key free agents, enter an off-season of intrigue and uncertainty and questions about whether they have -- or will have -- ..."

With free agents, Angels could be losing more than a shot at World Series

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Oktober 27

L.A. Daily News

"The Angels' storybook season ended in abrupt fashion Sunday, two victories shy from a trip to the World Series. It was a season of tragedy and triumph, starting with the untimely death of teammate Nick Adenhart, who was killed in an automobile accident at the hands of an alleged drunk driver according to authorities. The Angels understandably struggled the first month of the season, then came together for a memorable run to the American League West division championship. They finally dispatched their nemesis Boston Red Sox in three games in the American League Division Series, but the uncharacteristically error- prone Angels were dispatched 4-2 by the Yankees in the best-of-seven AL ..."

Mets not interested in Lackey or Bradley; Holliday tops their list

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Oktober 26

SI.com

(scroll down)

"The Mets don't seem inclined to pursue top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, who will surely shoot for a $100 million-plus contract in light of A.J. Burnett's $82.5 million deal. They do want to add a solid starting pitcher (they may try a do-over on Randy Wolf), but their big-ticket target is most likely going to be a left fielder. Matt Holliday is believed to top their list, though Jason Bay will certainly suffice. Bobby Abreu is another top free-agent outfielder, while Carl Crawford could be available in trade. The Mets have no interest in taking on Milton Bradley's problems."

Is it time to say goodbye Vlad?

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Oktober 26

Orange County Register

columnist Mark Saxon

"Vladimir Guerrero arrived in Anaheim six years ago as an enigma, a player the Angels knew as much about by way of legend as by scouting report. That cloud of mystery followed him to the door. Guerrero may have watched the final inning of his Angels career from the bench Sunday, after he was lifted for pinch runner Reggie Willits in the eighth inning of the Angels' 5-2 loss to the New York Yankees in Game 6 of the ALCS. The game encapsulated all the brilliant and baffling aspects of Guerrero's Hall of Fame-worthy career. How can you get an RBI post-season hit off Mariano Rivera? Nobody does that, at least not in this millennium. How could anyone even make contact with that sixth-inning ..."

Angels couldn't produce on the big stage

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Oktober 26

Orange County Register

columnist Mark Whicker

"The stadium was the same. Same 60 feet and 6 inches, same 90 feet, same 314 feet down right-field. Somehow the stage was too big. The Angels reached the breakthrough moment of a poignant and powerful season here Sunday night, and they tripped over the final step. At times they tried to sneak up on this American League Championship Series Game 6 as if the Yankees might not hear them. At times they indeed joined the fight with the Yankees. And at a very critical time they were just awful. The 5-2 loss, and 4-2 series loss, was absorbed by the more tentative team, and that team will not be seen again in its current form. In some ways it was reminiscent of the way other local playoff teams ..."

Which Angels will be back next year?

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Oktober 26

Orange County Register

"As the visitors' clubhouse at Yankee Stadium slowly emptied following the Angels' Game 6 loss, injured right-hander Scot Shields was "trying not to" think about who might – or might not – be in the room the next time the Angels gather. "I don't want to show up in spring training without those guys," Shields said, referring to potential free agents Vladimir Guerrero, John Lackey and Chone Figgins. "Vlad – just for what he does. Figgy and John – that's a little more special to me because of '02. "I'll go to battle with any of those three guys. But I know it's still a business. We've seen guys leave here before. This organization, they're pretty good at bringing in the right guys. But it's ..."

Angels can't stop Yankees, season over

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Oktober 26

Orange County Register

"The Angels got the monkey off their backs – only to run into King Kong. The New York Yankees, baseball's $200 million gorilla, ended the Angels' post-season run with a 5-2 defeat in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series Sunday night. The win sends the Yankees into the World Series for the 40th time in franchise history, this time against the Phillies. Baseball got its Freeway Series – but it will be I-95 not I-5. For the Angels, the loss sends them into a winter of uncertainty with the list of potential free-agent departures including key players like Vladimir Guerrero, John Lackey, Chone Figgins and Bobby Abreu. "We would have had to play close to perfect to win the series and ..."

Angels' putrid play and errors result in agony of defeat to New York Yankees

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Oktober 26

New York Daily News

"They didn't play like a team that belongs in the World Series and now the Angels are going home. They capped a thoroughly unspectacular showing against the Yankees in the AL Championship Series with another less-then-stellar performance in the 5-2 loss Sunday night. The poor play was on display early but hit its apex in the bottom of the eighth inning. The Angels had scratched out a run off Mariano Rivera in the top half to cut their deficit to 3-2. Then the Halos gave it back with interest as Howie Kendrick and Scott Kazmir made atrocious errors that led to a pair of insurance runs. Those came on top of Vladimir Guerrero mysteriously watching right fielder Nick Swisher come in and catch ..."

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