The Angels, largely dormant for much of the offseason, are on the verge of landing Blue Jays center fielder Vernon Wells in a blockbuster trade, according to major-league sources.
he Angels would get Wells and cash and send catcher Mike Napoli and outfielder Juan Rivera to the BlueJays, sources said. Wells was in Anaheim for a physical on Friday. Napoli and others in the deal must also pass physicals.
The addition of Wells, who enjoyed a comeback season in 2010, would reduce the sting of a difficult offseason for the Angels, who failed in bids for free-agent outfielder Carl Crawford and third baseman Adrian Beltre.
Wells, who is waiving his no-trade clause, is owed $86 million over the next four seasons. He likely would take over in center for the Angels, with Torii Hunter remaining in right.
The Angels had been trying to move Napoli as well as outfielder Juan Rivera, who will earn $5.25 million next season. Rivera also could be included in the deal, one source said.
The Jays likely would use Napoli as a catcher, first baseman and DH.
His arrival likely would preclude them from adding Manny Ramirez or another free-agent hitter.
Wells, 32, is waiving his no-trade clause. He is owed $86 million over the next four seasons. The Angels likely would use him in center, with Torii Hunter remaining in right.
The Angels also had been talking to free-agent outfielder Scott Podsednik and DH Vladimir Guerrero about one-year contracts. Both would appear unlikely if the Wells trade is completed. Bobby Abreu likely would become the Angels’ DH.
Wells last season produced his best offensive numbers since 2006, batted .273/.331/.515 last season with 31 home runs and 88 RBIs. He also made the All-Star team, re-establishing himself as one of the best center fielders in the game.
Napoli, 29, requested $6.1 million in arbitration. The Angels offered
$5.3 million. The Jays would control him for two more seasons before he became a free agent.
Napoli declined to .238/.316/.468 last season, but hit a career-high
26 home runs in 453 at-bats, getting much of his playing time at first base after Kendry Morales suffered a broken leg.
The Angels prefer Jeff Mathis, a superior defender, at catcher. Bobby Wilson is considered a capable backup, Hank Conger a highly regarded catching prospect.
he Angels would get Wells and cash and send catcher Mike Napoli and outfielder Juan Rivera to the BlueJays, sources said. Wells was in Anaheim for a physical on Friday. Napoli and others in the deal must also pass physicals.
The addition of Wells, who enjoyed a comeback season in 2010, would reduce the sting of a difficult offseason for the Angels, who failed in bids for free-agent outfielder Carl Crawford and third baseman Adrian Beltre.
Wells, who is waiving his no-trade clause, is owed $86 million over the next four seasons. He likely would take over in center for the Angels, with Torii Hunter remaining in right.
The Angels had been trying to move Napoli as well as outfielder Juan Rivera, who will earn $5.25 million next season. Rivera also could be included in the deal, one source said.
The Jays likely would use Napoli as a catcher, first baseman and DH.
His arrival likely would preclude them from adding Manny Ramirez or another free-agent hitter.
Wells, 32, is waiving his no-trade clause. He is owed $86 million over the next four seasons. The Angels likely would use him in center, with Torii Hunter remaining in right.
The Angels also had been talking to free-agent outfielder Scott Podsednik and DH Vladimir Guerrero about one-year contracts. Both would appear unlikely if the Wells trade is completed. Bobby Abreu likely would become the Angels’ DH.
Wells last season produced his best offensive numbers since 2006, batted .273/.331/.515 last season with 31 home runs and 88 RBIs. He also made the All-Star team, re-establishing himself as one of the best center fielders in the game.
Napoli, 29, requested $6.1 million in arbitration. The Angels offered
$5.3 million. The Jays would control him for two more seasons before he became a free agent.
Napoli declined to .238/.316/.468 last season, but hit a career-high
26 home runs in 453 at-bats, getting much of his playing time at first base after Kendry Morales suffered a broken leg.
The Angels prefer Jeff Mathis, a superior defender, at catcher. Bobby Wilson is considered a capable backup, Hank Conger a highly regarded catching prospect.
