The long winter after a disappointing 2013 season ends Thursday for Angels fans, when the team’s pitchers and catchers report for spring training in Tempe, Ariz.
Instead of signing any superstar players this winter — as they did by bringing in Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton the past two winters — this time around the Angels just stuck with the marquee players they have, like Mike Trout, and added a few young pitchers and role players.
Here’s a look at the players who have come and gone since the end of last season.
SAY GOODBYE
- Mark Trumbo: The Orange County native was a fan favorite for his tape-measure homers, but the Angels traded him to Arizona for two young pitchers.
- Peter Bourjos: One of baseball’s best defensive center fielders, Bourjos was traded because the Angels had another pretty good one (Mike Trout) and they needed a third baseman.
- Jason Vargas: Vargas provided pretty much what the Angels expected in his one year in town before taking a four-year, $32 million deal with Kansas City.
- Jerome Williams: The Angels let the workhorse pitcher go rather than pay him $4 million, and he signed with Houston.
- Tommy Hanson: Injury and off-field difficulties spoiled his only season with the Angels, and he signed with Texas.
SAY HELLO
- Hector Santiago: A left-hander from the Chicago White Sox, Santiago came in the Trumbo trade and figures to go into the middle of the Angels rotation.
- Tyler Skaggs: Originally drafted by the Angels, the 22-year-old lefty returned to the Angels in the Trumbo trade.
- David Freese: Freese was a World Series hero in St. Louis in 2011 and a solid everyday third baseman in 2012. But injuries hampered him last season and the Cardinals traded him for Bourjos.
- Raul Ibanez: At 41, the free agent designated hitter was one of the most productive players at his age in baseball history last season (29 HR, 65 RBI).
- Joe Smith: One of baseball’s most dependable relievers, the right-hander signed a three-year, $15.75 million deal, making him the Angels’ most expensive offseason acquisition.
- Mark Mulder: A former All-Star, the lefty is trying to make a comeback after not having pitched in the majors since 2009.
