New Los Angeles Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto spoke with ESPN's Jim Bowden about his offseason plans and the club's 2012 outlook as currently constructed...
- Despite an offensive hole at third base, the team doesn't have interest in third baseman Aramis Ramirez (link). Ramirez is the top top third baseman available in free agency and would give the Angels an offensive boost, but it appears Dipoto doesn't want to hurt the Angels' run prevention.
- Speaking of run prevention, Dipoto did say the team has interest in free agent southpaw C.J. Wilson (link). Wilson is the top starting pitcher available, but is figured to command $80 million across five years. Starting pitching isn't exactly a need for the Angels, who already have an excellent 1-2-3 with Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, and Ervin Santana.
- The Angels won't close the door on signing either Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols, but Dipoto says neither are the club's top priority (link).
- Perhaps that's because the team already has cost-effective, capable first baseman in Mark Trumbo and Kendry Morales, who will be tendered a contract despite injury concerns that won't be clear until January (Twitter links).
- Dipoto pictures his Angels in the Outfield with Vernon Wells in left, Peter Bourjos in center, Torii Hunter in right. Top prospect Mike Trout will have to win a job to play everyday in spring training, otherwise he'll start the season in the minors (link).
- The Angels offseason priorities are finding a right-handed impact closer (Jonathan Papelbon?), starting pitcher, catcher, while finding ways to improve the team's ability to get on base (link).