9:18 PM Fri, Oct 03, 2008 | Permalink
Kevin McNamara  Email
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BY KEVIN McNAMARA
Journal Sports Writer
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Whenever the Angels' season ends, they'll be facing one of the more important offseasons in franchise history.
Spurred by the support of owner Arte Moreno, the Angels have shown the ability to compete financially on a grand scale. Last year they dipped into the free agent market and signed Torii Hunter to a deal that pays him $16.5 million a season. But this winter, the team is looking at losing Mark Teixeira, closer Francisco Rodriguez, Juan Rivera and Jon Garland. The Angels also own club options for Vladimir Guerrero, John Lackey and Garret Anderson.
Teixeira, who earns $12.5 million, will look for about $20 million per. The Yankees and perhaps Baltimore (his hometown) could be in the mix but Moreno has said he'd like to explore a long-term deal with the All-Star first baseman. Rodriguez earns $10 million a year but just set the major league record with 62 saves. There is some thinking that he may not merit a long-term deal because of the stress the team has placed on his arm but he certainly is a valued commodity to the Angels.
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