C.J. Wilson moves to Los Angeles Angels on a ‘discounted’ five-year deal – MLB Update
Right after the end of this past season, Los Angeles Angels’ owner, Arte Moreno, was outright in his stance of not having enough money to spend during the offseason. Now, it has become evident that the statement was nothing more than a hoax and the Angels,
out of the blue, have emerged as the team to land the top two players in the free agent market.
All evidence point to the conclusion that the previously unnamed team, was in fact the side from Los Angeles and they have now suddenly become favourites to bag a position in the playoff, with at least six months still to go before the new season embarks
on April 4, 2012.
It is believed that the Angels have lured Wilson on a five-year 77.5-million-dollar deal, significantly less than what the Miami Marlins had on offer. The Marlins were offering at least a six-year deal worth 99-million-dollars initially, but the amount was
negotiable on the upper side. Further, playing in Florida would have saved tons of taxes for Wilson, but it was his love for California that brought him to this ballclub, something that the Texas Rangers would not like.
Practically speaking, Wilson was not chasing money and thus preferred staying in his native state. This move has stirred a lot of excitement among Wilson’s family and immediate friends. Commenting on this move, Wilson asserted that he preferred taking a
discount on the amount of the contract for the simple reason of staying in his native California.
"The Marlins definitely were the frontrunner for a while -- they offered the most lucrative deal and the most freedom, too," Wilson said in the Hilton Anatole lobby Thursday. "But by no means was I trying to break the bank here. If it was about the money,
I'd be a Marlin."
Wilson was outstanding from the mound during the regular season, but was shady during the playoffs and thus could not impose authority against the St. Louis Cardinals in the Fall Classic in a bid to bag the first World Series crown for the Rangers.
It will be interesting to see how the intensity of competition grows between the Rangers and Angels in the aftermath of this move during the next season.
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