The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have acquired OF Vernon Wells from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for 1B/C Mike Napoli and OF Juan Rivera. Wells had to waive his no trade clause in order for the deal to be completed. Salary was also a potential deal breaker here, as the Angels wound up agreeing to pay all of the remaining money owed Wells on his contract before the Jays relented to the trade.
Wells is expected to play center field for the Angels with OF Torii Hunter continuing to finish his career in right field. Wells batted .273 with 31 home runs, 88 runs batted in and six stolen bases last season, being named to the American League All-Star team. The season was a renaissance for Wells and the Angels are hoping that it wasn't a fluke.
The Angels elected to move Napoli after he asked for over $6 million in arbitration this offseason. Napoli batted .238 with 26 home runs, 68 runs batted in and four stolen bases last season. He has hit at least 20 home runs in each of the past three seasons but the 68 runs batted in are a career high. He is not a standout defensive catcher and has never been a favorite of Halos manager Mike Sciosia. He played mostly first base last season after regular 1B Kendry Morales was lost to injury. It is unclear where exactly he fits in with the Blue Jays, but he could be the replacement for C John Buck. In addition, DH/1B Adam Lind is penciled in as the regular at first base but will still likely see lots of time as a DH. When Lind DH's, Napoli could play first base. Also, Napoli could be used more regularly as a DH this season as well.
Rivera was moved because he was due to be owed over $5 million in 2011. Rivera was the starting left fielder for the Angels for much of last season and has been a good player for them in the past, chipping with two 20-homer seasons. Since OF Rajai Davis will now likely play center field to replace Wells, Rivera has a chance to emerge as the starting left fielder in Toronto.
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