Fox Sports is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays have sent Vernon Wells and his $17 million per year contract to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for infielder Mike Napoli; pending a physical. The Angels acquire cash with the 32-year-old Wells who has waived his no-trade clause after having his most productive season since 2006 with 31 home runs and 88 RBIs. The center fielder is entering his fourth year of a seven-year deal worth $126 million. This acquisition comes after failed attempts by Los Angeles to pick up Carl Crawford and Adrian Beltre. This deal will likely keep Torii Hunter in right field and make Bobby Abreu the full-time designated hitter.
Wells leaving Toronto should open the center field position for Rajai Davis who Toronto acquired from the Oakland Athletics for his speed and base running ability, which has been dreadful for this team in past years.
Meanwhile, the Jays pick up 29-year-old, Mile Napoli who could fill in at catcher to give more time for J.P. Arencibia to develop in the absence of John Buck, or play first base in the position left by Lyle Overbay. Napoli had a career year with 26 homers and 68 RBIs. The Blue Jays will also pick up outfielder Juan Rivera
This deal should open up some more money for the Jays to make maybe one more free agent pickup. Manny Ramirez anyone?
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