Angels in the Offseason: An Opinion Piece.

Anaheim, CA - In a season that is full of positives for the (LA) Angels of Anaheim, the impending off-season is full of question marks. Looking at contracts that are currently set to expire, the Angels are poised to have a very different look next season and beyond. Let's take a look at some potential decisions the Halos have on board for next year:

Pitching (bullpen):
Obviously, everyone will begin and end this conversation with K-Rod. Closer Frankie Rodriguez is on pace the claim the single-season save record this year, currently sitting at 47, a mere 10 shy of Bobby Thigpen's record of 57. He's also in a walk year, and amid some negotiation animosity between player and team, Frankie has refused to discuss a contract extension mid-season. Anyone with an opinion on the matter thinks K-Rod is seeking money similar to what Mariano Rivera received with his latest contract, money around $15 Million per season. This makes sense, too, in a market that puts a premium on the closer role, and one in which he dominates so easily. Angels do have their heir apparent in rookie reliever Jose Arredondo, who's come on strong this season. Scot Shields is another option for this, especially while transitioning Arredondo into the closer role.
My Guess: The Angels make a valid, fair offer to K-Rod, in and around 13-14M/yr for 2-3 years. He bolts for the bucks somewhere like NY.

Pitching (starting):
John Lackey, slowed to start the season w/ an injury, is under contract for this season with a club option at 9M for next season, which makes all the sense in the world for the Halos to exercise. In all likelihood, look to the Angels to lock him up long term. Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders are arbitration eligible this coming summer, but under club control through 2012 and 2013 respectively. Jered Weaver is in the same situation and under club control through 2013. Kelvim Escobar is a big question mark. Struggling at the end of last season, and spending the season on the DL as he recovered from shoulder surgery has opened the door to emerging youngsters Saunders and Santana, but Escobar, who pitched from the pen in a closer role and relief role in Toronto, is on the books for 2009. John Garland's contract expires, and he's been a solid innings eater for the Halos this year.
My Guess: Look for the Halos to lock Lackey up long term prior to his hitting the open market next year. If Garland will stay relatively cheap, he'll stick around as a solid "just in case" option for Escobar who's coming off surgery.

Outfield:
Here's where it starts, for the Halos, who are literally suffering an embarrassment of riches. Well, at least rich ballplayers. Gary Matthews Jr., the new odd-man-out in the Angels outfield rotation has been horrible. Recently sighting injury problems as contributing to his horrible season, GMJr is on the books through 2012, with 10M, 11M, and 12M a year, progressively, through that time. That's a lot of money for a player that figures to be a role player type the rest of this season, and someone who will have to battle for a position for next year. I also see signs of this wearing on him, as he has been visibly unhappy in games and makes his opinion on his non-starting role very obvious. Garrett Anderson has a club option for next year at a whopping 14M, with a 3M buy-out. Big Daddy Vladdy is another issue, as he also has a club option for next year. Both players have had somewhat declining numbers this year, but both are heating up the second half to reverse some struggles they suffered early in the season. Juan Rivera, Reggie Willits are two others in the mix as role players.
My Guess: GA gets his contract torn up, signs a significant home town discount and retires an Angel, Sharing more and more DH spot starts with Vlad Guerrero, who the Halos will also keep long term. I'm thinkin' 3 more years for GA, four for Vlad, and done. GMJr will ask for a trade this offseason, and may in fact get it.

Infield:
The Big question here is Mark Teixeira. Everybody knows his agent is Scott Boras, and he wants to cash in some big dollars and long terms on his next contract. Don't think the Angels aren't showing him the best they have to offer to keep him in house during his current stint with the team. He's turned down cash before, though, and is going through the motions of saying he wants to play for a perennial contender somewhere his family is happy. Time will tell, but even if it is bucks he's after, the Halos have to be at least some player in the sweepstakes he is sure to become this off-season. The Angels still need an everyday prototypical third baseman. Chone Figgins needs to go back to the super Utility Role, and is only under contract through next season.
My Guess:Teix signs something like 160 for 8 years, and stays in Anaheim, or jumps to NY(Mets or Yanks) for something like 200M/10yrs. Angels shop the market for solid hitting third baseman, come up short, extend Figgy 2 years.