Los Angeles Angels get Chris Iannetta from Colorado Rockies for Tyler Chatwood -MLB Update
The Los Angeles Angels had Chris Iannetta on their radar for quite a while now ever since the 2011 Major League Baseball (MLB) season ended, but finally acquired the 28-year-old from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for young pitcher, Tyler Chatwood, on
Wednesday, November 30, 2011.
In order to upgrade their second and third base game play tactics, Angels’ general manager, Jerry Dipoto, had made it top priority of his team to improve those aspects by acquiring those players that could make the much needed difference.
"Making trades is never easy, but you have to give to get," Dipoto said. "Catching is particularly tough to come by. If you've got [Jered] Weaver, [Dan] Haren, [Ervin] Santana, [Jerome] Williams and [Garrett] Richards, you're not going into it empty-handed.
Experienced major league catching, a guy that's in the top half of offensive performers from behind the plate, is tough to walk away from."
Iannetta ended the 2011 regular season with 112 games played with 345 at-bats, 51 runs, 82 hits, 17 two-doubles, one triple, 14 home runs, 55 runs batted-in and a .238 batting average.
After learning about the confirmation of the trade, Iannetta, one of the most eyed players in the league during the offseason, affirmed the fact that he will be looking forward to playing under Los Angeles Angels manager, Mike Scioscia, who he appreciates
and regards as one of the best in the league.
Along with Chris Iannetta, the Angels have also signalled that they are looking into grabbing non-tendering catcher, Jeff Mathis, who is one of the top defensive catchers around the league.
Chatwood, who is one of the younger players in the MLB, was the fifth number in the line for the Angels last season going 6-11 with a 4.75 ERA, but eventually lost the spot to Jerome Williams in a rotation.
It is still not clear how the Colorado Rockies will be using Chatwood at the moment, but will be season when spring training begins next year.
Chris Iannetta has $3.55 million left on his contract for next year and according to his performance, his $5 million option for 2013 may also be used.
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