Josh Hamilton to the Angels

Despite reports from the MLB Winter meetings that the Los Angeles Angels were tapped out after some recent big signings, the franchise has made another huge splash this off-season.  A report has surfaced that Josh Hamilton and the Angels have agreed to a 5 year deal worth approximately $125 million.

He will join a star-studded lineup highlighted by perennial MVP candidate Albert Pujols and last year’s AL MVP runner-up Mike Trout.

Los Angeles Angles 2013 Projected Lineup

1. Mike Trout
2. Howie Kendrick
3. Albert Pujols
4. Josh Hamilton
5. Mark Trumbo
6. Kendrys Morales
7. Erick Aybar
8. Alberto Callaspo
9. Chris Iannetta

With 3/5 of their starting pitching rotation out of the window for the start of the 2013 season, the Angels will need all they can get out of this lineup to regain their fan domination of LA.  Over the last 6 months, the cross-town rival Dodgers have dominated headlines with some blockbuster moves.  The most recent coming yesterday when they signed Zack Greinke to a long-term deal.  In addition to all of the player acquisitions the Dodgers have made in the recent past, they’ve also spent another $100 million on renovation to Dodger Stadium.

This move leaves the briefly division dominant Rangers hobbled.  The Rangers traded franchise veteran Micheal Young after a down year, and were  unable to snatch up aforementioned Zack Greinke after the Winter meetings.  Well, at least they’re not the Mets.  Ya gotta believe!

Cheers