Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times

I had the pleasure to be able to talk Angels baseball with Mike DiGiovanna of the LA Times.


Baseball-Rumors: With Torii Hunter now with the Angels, is there a possibility that the Angels could trade Gary Mathews Jr.?

Mike DiGiovanna: I wouldn't rule it out, no. The problem is, though, that Mathews has a full no trade clause in his contract so he can veto any deal. There aren't a lot of teams left that are desperate for a center fielder, and if there were, would they want to take on the 4-years and $43M still left on his contract?


Baseball-Rumors: There's a lot of talk about young prospect Reggie Willits, will he see any playing time with the Angels next season?

Mike DiGiovanna: I don't see it, the Angels already have 4 outfielders plus Juan Rivera. I think Willits will get 1 more year in AAA and then we'll see where things are in 2009.


Baseball-Rumors: The other prospect getting a lot of talk is Brandon Wood. How good is this kid and can he put up good numbers in the big leagues?

Mike DiGiovanna: Defensively I think he's ready, he's got good power potential, 20-25 HR potential, he's got a good arm good range. The downside of him is his inconsistant contact at the plate, too many strikeouts.

The Angels had him playing in the Mexican Winter League, but he left due to a family emergency and never went back. I think he needs to play one more year of AAA and be more selective at the plate.


Baseball-Rumors: Were you surprised that the Angels let Dallas McPherson go?

Mike DiGiovanna: I was, especially since they put so much time and money invested in him. I would have thought they would want to see how he looks after his surgery.


Baseball-Rumors: Where do you think McPherson ends up?

Mike DiGiovanna: I'll tell you where he'd like to go, Tampa Bay. He likes the team and it's close to Durham where he grew up.


Baseball-Rumors: How involved is Tim Salmon with the Angels?

Mike DiGiovanna: He came out to Spring Training last year as an instructor. Since he lives in Arizona, close to where the Angels camp is, he doesn't mind helping out during Spring Training.


Baseball-Rumors: Has he had any interest in managing?

Mike DiGiovanna: I don't think so, he's still got young kids who are still in school, so I don't think he wants to be away from his family. I don't think he has any real interest yet.


Baseball-Rumors: Have the Angels talked with Francisco Rodriguez of Vlad Guerrero about contract extensions and do you expect anything to be done prior to the start of the '08 season?

Mike DiGiovanna: They've had on and off discussions with Rodriguez over the last year, but since he thinks he's one of the top 3 closers in baseball, it's likely that he's going to look at the deal that Mariano Rivera signed with the Yankees and use that at a starting point.

Vlad Guerrero still has an $15M option for the 2009 season, so there's no real hurry on the Angels part to sign him just yet. They do, however, want to make him their franchise player and show him that they want to keep him long term.

I'd be surprised if they had anything complete prior to pitchers and catchers reporting, but you never know, teams have gotten extensions done in the first few weeks of April. There's really more urgency with Rodriguez since he'll be a free agent after the 2008 season.


Baseball-Rumors: Garrett Anderson also has an option for 2009, will the Angels pick up his option as well?

Mike DiGiovanna: I'd be surprised if they picked up Anderson's option, I think this is his last year in an Angels uniform.