Los Angeles Angels booms the market with Vernon Wells acquisition
General Manager Tony Reagins has made a name for himself by making surprise signings and it comes as a shock to find out that Vernon Wells has moved to California in a trade deal that was announced, just recently. Los Angeles Angels
acquired the service of Wells in a trade that saw the club’s two right-hand power hitters move the other way. Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera will be heading over to Toronto Blue Jays to close the agreement.
Wells, who is on a 4-year contract worth $86 million, will be providing the Angels with the necessary outfield cover they require. Vernon will be collecting $23 million this year, after which he will be earning $21 million for
the following 3 years. There is an option to move out of the contract after the 2011 season but until then, he will prove to be a much-needed addition in the side.
The Angels have the prospect of harbouring the best outfield combination in the club. Manager Mike Scioscia will need to arrange the positions, but the line up could see Torii Hunter and Peter Bourjos out with Wells in the outfield.
Hunter was able to talk on Vernon’s exodus from the Blue Jays.
"You always hate to see teammates leave," Hunter said. "You're a family, and you get close to guys. But it's great to have a guy like Vernon on my side. I know him well. We've done a lot of charity work together. He's a class guy
- and a class player. He's going to fit in great here. I feel good about our team, about our lineup. And I really like our outfield. It's going to be exciting to be part of it. I think the fans are going to like what they see."
Bourjos, who is a rising star at the moment, has impressed Wells a lot. Hunter moved to the right outfield in August to accommodate the prospect. Wells was able to talk about him and the possibility of working with him in the near
future.
"I got a chance to see Bourjos play first hand, what he can do," Wells said. "He's one of those special kids who can make an impact with his glove. Our job as older guys is to help him along, seeing that he can be comfortable playing
the same game in the Major Leagues. It's a huge responsibility for us to make him better. I'd love to play beside him and be part of one of the best outfields around."
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