The Angels Also Acquire Ace Pitcher C.J. Wilson for $77 Million

As my profile indicates I live in Southern California and have been an Angel fan for more years than I want to admit. The recent news of Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson joining this team has me more excited than a little kid opening his presents on Christmas morning. In fact this does feel a bit like an early Christmas present to the fans of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Many will look at the huge price tag it took to get Albert Pujols to join the Angels and wonder why the owner Arte Moreno spent that kind of money. As with many questions, there are several answers. First, the Angels have been the bridesmaid in many high profile negotiations in years past. Adrian Gonzales is one who comes to mind last year. There was the time where they were unable to resign Mark Teixeira and he eventually headed to the New York Yankees. Also there was Carl Crawford and pitching sensation CC Sabathia who got away from the Angels.

Another answer to the question of why the Angels spent so much on Albert Pujols is that Arte Moreno is no slouch when it comes to marketing. Here in Southern California we have a very large Hispanic population and Albert comes from the Dominican Republic. Much like when Vladimar Guerroro a Dominican Republic native as well was here in Anaheim, the marketing team spent a lot of time and money in the Hispanic markets. It might take a little while, but I think Arte Moreno is going to make his money back from Albert Pujols easily.

Adding C.J. Wilson gives the Angel pitching rotation four quality pitchers that will challenge any lineup. Having proven ace's Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, and Ervin Santana along with C.J. Wilson makes this look a lot like the Phillies starting rotation of last year. C.J. Wilson is a local guy who grew up and went to school near the Big A in Anaheim, so this is a homecoming of sorts for him.

All and all, this is win-win situation for the Angels, Albert Pujols, C.J. Wilson and the fan base that supports this team. The popularity that Albert Pujols brings will probably make it difficult for the common fan to get tickets without costing an arm and a leg; however, I think this Angel team has finally turned a corner and I look forward to next season.

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