The Angels came into the offseason looking to spend some money. They struck out on Carl Crawford, said to be their top priority, but on Friday they were able to make their first real significant addition, signing free agent reliever Scott Downs.
Scott Downs, Angels Agree To Three-Year Contract
Downs will receive a three-year contract worth $15 million. It also includes an additional $1 million in incentives for games finished, in case Downs becomes the team's closer. The Angels lost last year's closer Brian Fuentes in a trade, but have been said to be in pursuit of former Ray Rafael Soriano.
Downs has been pursued by a number of teams, including the Red Sox. The 34-year-old southpaw has posted a 2.36 ERA over the last four seasons, standing at 2.64 last year. He averages under a strikeout an inning and doesn't have pinpoint command, but he keeps the ball on the ground - avoiding home run problems - and is able to pitch effectively against both righties and lefties. No matter what role he assumes in Anaheim, he should be a good one.
Because Downs was a Type A free agent, the Angels will lose their second-round draft pick to the Blue Jays. Their first-round pick is protected because they finished with one of the 15 worst records.
Earlier in the offseason, the Angels signed swingman Hisanori Takahashi to a two-year contract.
Read more on Downs and the Angels over at Halos Heaven.
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