Tony Reagins Has Finally Woken Up

About time:

"Free-agent outfielder Bobby Abreu is in serious talks toward a one-year agreement with the Los Angeles Angels, two baseball sources told ESPN.com.

Abreu, 34, is one of the premier hitters left on the market this offseason. The Angels jumped into negotiations with a big push this week and have emerged as clear front-runners. Although the two sides still have some issues to work through, a source said an agreement could be reached before the start of spring training this weekend in Arizona."

I have been saying for more than a month now that the Angels needed to step up and add a big time hitter to their lineup.

Back in January I wrote:

"Angels: The Angels are in dire need of another impact bat to hit in front of Vladimir Guerrero and Abreu would be a good fit. However, GM Tony Reagins has previously stated that the Angels will give their younger players a chance to fill the voids left by Garret Anderson and Mark Teixeira. If Reagins comes to his senses, the Angels could become serious competitors in the American League."

And after months of staying on the sidelines, the Angels finally got in the game. It has been reported that the Angels are now in "serious negotiations" with Bobby Abreu on a contract for 2009. Angels GM Tony Reagins has finally woken up, and Angels fans should be thrilled about it.

Just take a look at this lineup (or something like it):

3b Chone Figgins
2b Howie Kendrick
Rf Bobby Abreu
DH Vladimir Guerrero
CF Torri Hunter
Lf Juan Rivera/Gary Matthews Jr.
1b Kendry Morales
C Mike Napoli
SS Erick Aybar

Now, that lineup will not compare with the Yankees or even the Red Sox. But that lineup has a lot of productive parts in it and Abreu is a great fit hitting in front of Vladimir Guerrero because of his patience, ability to get on base, and solid production. Anytime you can add a guy who can hit .300 with 20 HR, 100 RBI, and a .370 OBP, you know the lineup should improve.

With the addition of Abreu, the Angels are now looking pretty strong. Are they contenders for the AL pennant? I say yes....what do you think?