http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/l...t-stove-121312
The
Los Angeles Angels are in agreement on a five-year contract with free agent outfielder
Josh Hamilton, major-league sources told FOXSports.com.
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Joe McDonnell of FOX Sports West first reported the sides were in serious talks Thursday, as the Angels are shocked the baseball industry by signing away a superstar from the rival
Texas Rangers.
Hamilton becomes the second elite hitter to join Angels in as many offseasons.
Albert Pujols left the Cardinals to sign a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Angels a little more than one year ago.
The next question is how the Angels would arrange their lineup around Hamilton. If Hamilton plays left field alongside phenom Mike Trout, the Angels would need to move
Mark Trumbo to third base or right field. If Trumbo stays in the outfield, that would mean reduced playing time for
Vernon Wells and
Peter Bourjos.
Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto also could trade designated hitter
Kendrys Morales to open up DH at-bats for Wells and Hamilton.
One way or another, the Angels are responding to their third-place disappointment of 2012 with one of the more startling moves in recent baseball history.
That is a scary lineup.