Angels outfielder Juan Rivera is in a tough situation, fighting for playing time in his contract year. So far he has eight ABs in the team’s first 16 games. He’s just not getting starter consideration at the DH or corner spots.
Rivera seems like an interesting buy-low candidate, whether via trade during the season or free agency after it. The one time he received more than 400 ABs, in 2006, he hit .310/.362/.525. He broke his leg in a winter league game that year and has barely played since. The Angels aren’t in any hurry to trade him, despite interest.
If the ’08 season continues to depress Rivera’s value, perhaps he could be had one a one-year, $5MM deal. He turns 30 in July and could be quite a bargain if he returns to form.
