217LikesEric Aybar wins Gold Glove at SS.
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Eric Aybar wins Gold Glove at SS.
The Angels acquired catcher Chris Iannetta from the Rockies in exchange for righty Tyler Chatwood. | angels.com: News
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Iannetta, 28, was a .235 hitter in six seasons in Colorado. He is coming off a 2011 campaign in which he batted .238 with 14 homers and 55 RBIs.
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While offense was clearly a factor in the Angels' decision to pursue Iannetta, who attended the University of North Carolina, he is considered a solid, cerebral defender well regarded for his ability to call games.
The Angels didn't get much offense last season from their catchers. Jeff Mathis batted .174, Bobby Wilson .189 and Hank Conger .204. Conger, who turns 24 in January, is considered the team's catcher of the future but needs to make some refinements defensively.
Mathis and Wilson are candidates to be traded. Mathis, who will be eligible for free agency after the 2012 season, shared the catching job with Mike Napoli for four seasons and excelled defensively, ranking among the best in the game with the glove.
Wilson is a solid, intelligent receiver and a contact hitter with developing power.
Having acquired Iannetta, the Angels also have the option of non-tendering Mathis in his final year as an arbitration-eligible player.
Iannetta is definitely an upgrade over Mathis, but offense from the catching position is hardly the biggest issue offensively. I think if they give Conger a fair shot, he'll make us forget about both Mathis and Iannetta by mid season. Now, can we please get on with signing a legitimate power bat for 3rd base and some bullpen help??
If Mathis hits those numbers with another team, I'm completely fine with that because he has shown he can't hit as an Angel.Originally Posted by IceDogsFan
Napoli on the other hand was easily the better catcher than Mathis and yet Reagins still traded him. That right there, is unforgivable.
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