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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Wiretap

Orioles May Have Competition For Guerrero

There have been reports that the Orioles extended an offer to Vladimir Guerrero, but they may have competition for the free-agent slugger.

A source close to Baltimore says the team isn't confident they'll land Guerrero, which leads many to believe they either extended a low-ball offer or there is serious competition.

The Angels and Blue Jays have also been reported to have some interest in signing Guerrero, but it isn't known if he's officially received any offers.

Via MLB.com


Wells: Angels Took 'Great Leap Of Faith'

Vernon Wells is aware of his critics and thanked the Angels for taking a chance on him when they acquired him in a trade with the Blue Jays last week.

"It's a great leap of faith for them in bringing me in and taking on the contract," Wells said. "I'm here to obviously make them look good and get back to the playoffs.

"Once that happens, I don't think [the contract] will be much of an issue. There will be a time when everybody looks past that."

Via MLB.com


Angels, Weaver Begin Talks On Extension

The Angels have opened discussions with Jered Weaver about a long-term contract extension, according to owner Arte Moreno.

Weaver, 28, would be a free agent following the 2012 season. He is represented by agent Scott Boras.

The two sides were more than $1 million apart when they swapped arbitration figures about a one-year deal earlier this month.

Weaver led the majors with 233 strikeouts last season and is 64-39 with a 3.55 ERA in five major league seasons.

Via ESPNLosAngeles.com


Angels' Trout Named MLB.com's Top Prospect

Angels outfielder Mike Trout was named MLB.com's top prospect heading into the 2011 season on Tuesday night.

MLB.com polled industry sources, including scouts and scouting directors to compile the list.

Rounding out the top five are right-handed pitcher Jeremy Hellickson of the Rays, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper, Phillies outfielder Domonic Brown and Mariners second baseman Dustin Ackley.

Trout, one of two Angels first-round choices in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, turned 19 on Aug. 7 in the midst of an eye-popping 2010 season.

After hitting .362 with 45 steals and a .526 slugging mark at Class A Cedar Rapids, where he would be named the Midwest League MVP.

Via MLB.com


Wells Should Benefit From Move To Left, Grass

Vernon Wells should benefit from the change of scenery that the Angels will provide.

He will be moving to left field, from center, and will no longer play on the artificial turf in Toronto.

"Playing in Anaheim as a visiting player, and standing in the outfield and just soaking in the atmosphere -- the fans, the field -- it's obviously the best in baseball," Wells said. "It played a big part in [not invoking my no-trade clause].

"It's one of those places you go to on the road where you say to yourself, 'It'd be fun to play here.' Never in my wildest dreams did I think this could happen."

Via MLB.com


Angels Jan 2011 Archive