Angels Trade Matthews To Mets In Exchange For Stokes

This move may come as very little surprise to those who follow the Angels closely.  After his first season in Anaheim, Gary Matthews, Jr. and Mike Scioscia were like oil and water.  Their personalities didn't work well together, and they rarely viewed things the same way.  

But even beyond that dynamic, from a baseball standpoint there just wasn't enough room in the outfield or the lineup for Matthews.  It was something he noticed immediately after the signing of Torii Hunter, and that's why he's been open to trade scenarios for quite some time.  And who can blame him?  The guy wants to play and compete.

ANAHEIM, CA – The Angels Friday acquired right-handed pitcher Brian Stokes from the New York Mets in exchange for outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. in an announcement by General Manager Tony Reagins.

Stokes, 30, comes to the Angels after making 64 relief appearances with the Mets in 2009 going 2-4 with a 3.97 ERA (70.1 IP – 31 ER).  New York purchased Stokes from Tampa Bay on November 28, 2007. In two seasons with the Mets, Stokes compiled a 3-4 record with a 3.82 ERA in 93 appearances, including one start.

The Montclair, CA native was originally signed by Tampa Bay as a non-drafted free agent in 1998.  He saw Major League time with the Rays in 2006 & 2007, combining for a 3-7 mark and a 6.46 ERA (86.1 IP – 62 ER) in 64 appearances (4 starts). In four seasons at the Major League level, Stokes has posted a 6-11 mark with one save and a 5.02 ERA in 157 appearances (5 starts).

Stokes graduated from Jurupa High School in Riverside, CA and attended Riverside Community College.

Matthews Jr. was signed by the Angels to a five-year contract on Nov. 22, 2006 and spent three seasons with the Halos.  In that span, he appeared in 369 games batting .249 (312/1255) with 30 home runs and 168 RBI.

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ANGELS EXERCISE 2009 OPTIONS ON VLADIMIR GUERRERO AND JOHN LACKEY

CLUB DECLINES 2009 OPTION ON GARRET ANDERSON

Additionally, Gary Matthews Jr., Mike Napoli and Guerrero Undergo Surgeries

ANAHEIM, CA - The Angels Tuesday announced the club will exercise 2009 options on Vladimir Guerrero and John Lackey and decline the 2009 option on Garret Anderson.

Additionally, Gary Matthews Jr. and Mike Napoli will undergo surgeries this week. Guerrero underwent successful surgery on the medial meniscus in his left knee earlier this month. These announcements were made today by Angels’ General Manager Tony Reagins.

Guerrero, 32, had surgery on the medial meniscus in his left knee on October 10th at the Steadman-Hawkins Clinic in Vail, CO. The surgery was performed by Dr. Richard Steadman. Guerrero is expected to be ready for Spring Training. In 2008, the veteran batted .303 (164/541) with 31 doubles, three triples, 27 home runs and 91 RBI in 143 games in 2008. He logged a .300 average and at least 25 home runs for the 11th consecutive season, joining Lou Gehrig (1927-37) as the only two players in MLB history to do so. An eight-time All-Star, Guerrero owns a club-best .323 average in five seasons as an Angel. Originally signed by the Montreal Expos as a free agent (March 1, 1993), the Dominican Republic native is hitting .323 (2136/6617) overall with 404 doubles, 43 triples, 392 home runs and 1268 RBI in 1,750 major league games.

Lackey, 30, completed 2008 with a 12-5 record, three complete games and a 3.75 ERA (163.1 IP – 68 ER) in 23 starts, posting 40 walks and 130 strikeouts. He began the season on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained right triceps and was activated May 14 (his first-ever DL appearance). In his career, Lackey is 91-63 with 13 complete games, seven shutouts and a 3.81 ERA (1,324.2 IP – 562 ER). An MLB All-Star in 2007, he owns the third-lowest ERA (based on 600 IP) in the AL since 2005 (3.42; 814 IP – 309 ER). A native of Abilene, Texas, Lacked was originally selected by the Angels in the second round of the 1999 free agent draft.

Anderson, 36, batted .293 (163/557) with 15 home runs and 84 RBI in 145 games in 2008. The longest tenured Angel in 2008, he marked his 14th full season with the club and his 14th consecutive season batting .280 or better (only other MLB active player to do this is Manny Ramirez). A three-time All-Star, Anderson ranks as the Angels’ all-time leader in several categories, including games (2,013), runs (1,024), hits (2,368), doubles (489), total bases (3,743) and RBI (1,292). Anderson ranks second in home runs (272) and third in career average (.296). A native of Los Angeles, CA, he was originally signed by the Angels after being a fourth round selection in the 1990 June free agent draft.

Matthews Jr., 34, will have surgery to repair the patella tendon in his left knee today (October 28th). He posted a .242 average (103/426) with 19 doubles, three triples, eight home runs and 46 RBI in 127 games in 2008. Signed by the Angels as a Major League free agent, Nov. 22, 2006, he has played for seven different major league teams (also San Diego, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh, New York Mets, Baltimore and Texas). Originally selected by the Padres in the 13th round of the 1993 June free agent draft, Matthews Jr. owns a .259 career average (966/3729) with 203 doubles, 27 triples, 104 home runs and 433 RBI in 1,142 major league games (spanning over eight seasons). A native of San Francisco, CA, he is the son of Gary Matthews Sr., who played 16 years in the majors for the Giants, Braves, Phillies, Cubs and Mariners.

Napoli will have arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder October 31st (his 27th birthday). In 2008, he split catching duties with Jeff Mathis and made 71 starts behind the plate. Napoli batted .273 (62/227) with nine doubles, one triple, 20 home runs and 49 RBI, setting career highs in average, hits, home runs, RBI and stolen bases (7). He was placed on the disabled list, July 7, due to right shoulder irritation (and was activated, Aug.7). In his career, Napoli owns a .248 average (177/714) with 33 doubles, two triples, 46 home runs and 125 RBI in 252 major league games. A native of Hollywood, FL, he was originally selected by the Angels in the 17th round of the 2000 free agent draft.

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