Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Wiretap

$100M Pitchers Rarely Pitch In Postseason?

CC Sabathia figures to sign a contract well over the $100 million mark this offseason, but history indicates that may not bode well for his team's playoff chances.

None of the four previous $100 million pitchers - Kevin Brown, Johan Santana, Barry Zito and Mike Hampton - has pitched in the playoffs for the team he signed his mega-deal with.

"The dangers in these kinds of deals are tremendous," said a baseball executive. "How old is the pitcher? What is his history of injury? Based on his age, how fast will his performance decline, because most pitchers, as they get older, they lose their velocity and have to become more of a pitcher and mix it up, change.

"You weigh how good the pitcher is, what is your team's need, how long do you think he can sustain his performance? There are pros to CC - he's a big guy, a good athlete, a horse. On the other hand, he's pitched a lot of innings."

Via New York Daily News

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Free Agent Rumor

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

---

Could Angels Assemble The Best Rotation In History?

One report, courtesy of Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com, suggests the Angels have moved on to pitcher CC Sabathia as their main free agent target. It is conceivable they could sign Sabathia and also acquire pitcher Jake Peavy from the Padres, who have multiple needs the Angels could satisfy.

If Jered Weaver is a centerpiece of a Peavy deal, imagine this starting rotation:

Sabathia, Peavy, John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders.

Via MLB.com

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Free Agent Rumor, Trade Rumor

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

---

K-Rod's Agent Will Wait On Talks

The agent for free-agent closer Francisco Rodriguez won't start discussions with teams until the winter meetings begin in two weeks.

"I'll probably see the Mets at the winter meetings. I don't have anything else planned," agent Paul Kinzer said Wednesday.

Rodriguez is reportedly seeking a five-year contract averaging about $15 million per season.

Via Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, New York Mets, Free Agent Rumor

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

---

Yankees May Bid Up To Get Sabathia

If the Angels deliver a competitive offer to CC Sabathia, the Yankees could increase their offer in order to get their man.

The issue is being debated by Yankee brass but a majority of the front office appears to support the idea of bidding up to reel in Sabathia, a person familiar with the situation told Newsday on Wednesday.

The Yankees could go up to $150 million over six years if the Angels come to Sabathia with a six-year, $130 million contract offer.

Via Newsday

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees, Misc Rumor

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

---

Angels Moving From Teixeira To Sabathia?

The Angels are in discussions with CC Sabathia and could offer him a contract that approaches the $140 million that was offered by the Yankees.

Team officials claim that the focus has shifted off of free-agent first baseman Mark Teixeira because the Angels are hesitant to guarantee him more than seven years.

"We've had discussions about what the potential framework of a deal might be," general manager Tony Reagins said, not willing to rule Teixeira out. "At this time, I would say we still have interest at a high level. We understood going into this that it was going to take some time to accomplish."

Via Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Free Agent Rumor

Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets

---