MLB.com’s Lyle Spencer talked to outfielder Garret Anderson, who is set to test free agency for the first time in his 14-year career. Anderson was "a little surprised and disappointed" the Angels didn’t pick up his $11MM option for 2009. The 36 year-old hit .293/.325/.433 in 593 plate appearances while playing average defense when he was in left field.
Anderson told Spencer the $3MM the Angels will pay him in January was not a buyout, but rather part of the original contract that would’ve been paid no matter what. So, it was not an $8MM decision for the Halos.
The Angels would like to bring Anderson back, but they haven’t talked money yet. Anderson thought $11MM was a fair price for his services.
