The Angels avoided arbitration with their three eligible players and signed relievers Francisco Rodriguez and Scot Shields to one year deals. K-Rod walked away with the biggest paycheck and he’ll make $7 million in 2007. That’s in line with other top notch closers and assuming K-Rod can stay healthy, he’ll earn his keep.
Shields will make $3.4 million. He’s the bullpen’s workhorse and he had a fine 2006 season as the setup man to K-Rod. That’s a bit more then I would have liked to see a secondary reliever make, but it probably wasn’t worth nickel and diming.
In addition, the Angels signed Robb Quinlan to a two year deal. Quinlan had a very solid season with the bat and with the Angels problems at both first and third, Quinlan could see his playing time increase if he hits as well as he did in 2006 (.321/.344/.491). Not too bad for a guy who will make less then $2 million combined over the next couple of years.
There’s nothing too extreme here. I like how they’ve put off signing K-Rod to a long term deal. Closers have a short shelf life and while I’m sure they’re not waiting for him to flame out, it’s best to be prudent.
