Los Angeles Angels Trying To Steal C.J. Wilson
November 15, 2011 - 1:19 am by Ryan Phillips
One of the biggest names in this year’s crop of baseball free agents is Texas Rangers left-hander C.J. Wilson. While the 30-year-old hurler has expressed a desire to stay in Arlington, a division rival may be in the process of luring him away from the Rangers.
The Los Angeles Angels’ new general manager Jerry Dipoto has been in touch with Wilson and says he is “intrigued” by the idea of adding the lefty. The Angels are said to be serious about adding Wilson and apparently Dipoto had a lengthy visit with the pitcher’s agent, Bob Garber to discuss the possibility of bringing him to the west coast.
Wilson is a native of Newport Beach and went to college at Loyola Marymount, so landing with the Angels would really be a homecoming for him.
The Rangers want Wilson back, but may not be in a position to enter a bidding war for his services. For instance, if someone offered him $100 million there is almost no way Texas would or could match that type of deal.
The New York Yankees and Washington Nationals are also expected to enter the bidding for a man who won 31 games over the past two seasons and was clearly one of baseball’s best pitchers over that stretch.
Wilson made 34 starts in 2011, finishing with a 16-7 record, 2.94 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 206 strikeouts in 223.1 innings pitched. And that was just his second season as a full-time starter. You would assume there is upside with Wilson, but at the same time, he’s 30 years old and may not end up peaking any higher than he already has.
Someone was going to take a big risk on him this winter, and it looks like the Angels are willing to be that team.
6 Responses to “Los Angeles Angels Trying To Steal C.J. Wilson”
If paying a No. 2 starter ace money is stealing, you can rob me all year long.
By Hickey on Nov 15, 2011
Huge risk. I think we all saw what he is capable of in the post season the past two years. Not too much. And do you really think he would’ve won half of those games without those boomsticks? He’ll be serviceable at best with the Angels should he decide to jump ship.
Hmmm….2 ALCS Championships with a team and there’s talk of leaving to a team that didn’t even get close to making the playoffs both years? Money really does rule sports.
If this goes down, he’ll always be known as the pitcher who ran from post season failure.
By RangerFan on Nov 15, 2011
He had an ERA of 2.94 so it’s not all the offense.
By Russ on Nov 15, 2011
When you look at his stats, a 2.94 ERA is top-shelf anytime, on any team. Us Angels’ fans will be glad to add him to our top-shelf trio of Weaver, Haren & Santana. Because when all is said and done, it’s pitching that wins consistently with a few timely hits. Slugfests only win a game or two, but come playoff time? It’s all about pitching! Geez, after losing two straight WS, I would think you Texans would get it!, but I guess not, it must be the heat!
By Under_Dog Lefty on Nov 15, 2011
What do you mean they can’t afford that? The fox sports deal was written about all year long. $1.6 billion for 20 years begining in 2015. MLB analysts have said they could and should start cashing in on that imediately (see Adrian Beltre). Texas isn’t a small market team either, they’re #8 of the top 10 most valuble teams in the MLB. They’re payroll still has a lot of room to expand.
Do your homework rookie!
Instead of saying that they can’t afford it, you should say they will not pay that much for a number three starter.
By Jay on Nov 15, 2011
complete waist of money
By King on Nov 21, 2011