Los Angeles Angels sign Joe Blanton – MLB Update
News is coming that Los Angeles Angels have given two-year deal to former Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting pitcher Joe Blanton.
Blanton and the Angels agreed to a two-year contract worth $15 million.
A reliable source has also stated that the Angels also have a third year in option. However, both sides have still to comment officially in the media on their recent mutual understanding.
Blanton last played for the Dodgers and finished with 4.71 ERA along with 10-13 win-loss, 166 strike-outs and 1.26 WHIP. Overall he also has a good eight-year career ERA of 4.37 along with 83-75 win-loss, 978 strike-outs, 1.34 WHIP.
Blanton, who is an experienced Major League campaigner, knows his game well and has been performing in the biggest baseball league in the world with confidence since his arrival.
He started his career in 2004 with the Oakland Athletics and later onto play for the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers.
He is also a World Series winner as, he remained consistent with his aggressive performance. His fast and curving pitches always make things difficult for all the opposing batters.
Experts believe that his arrival in the Angels will make things more competitive. The coming year will be crucial for the Angels and Blanton.
Blanton with a new team and Angels’ with a new starter surely need some time to settle fully to achieve desired level of productivity.
Meanwhile, the Angels’ are also looking to add some more fire power in the starting rotation. They have been talking with Zack Greinke, Anibal Sanchez and Kyle Lohse.
However, all these pitchers are still not sure over their future with the Angels. Their agents say that other team including Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox are also interested in Blanton.
Rangers’ general manager Jon Daniels, "Obviously, one of the bigger dominoes, trying to get the first one to fall.”
Red Sox GM Ben Cherington said, "We wondered if one of the guys went off, (if) it would speed up. We'll see, It seems like it may be moving a little bit.”
He added, “I've never pictured myself in a different uniform, It just feels like there's so much unfinished business and I'd like to finish what I've started, Honestly, it wouldn't mean as much to me winning somewhere else as it would obviously winning here."
Next few weeks will be critical as the Angels decide to offer potential contracts to these three players.
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