UPDATE 9:17PM ET: The Angels have indeed signed Jorge Cantu as well as Doug Deeds to minor league deals, according to Mike DiGiovanna via twitter:
- Twitter / @MikeDiGiovanna - "The #Angels have signed veteran utility infielder Jorge Cantu and outfielder Doug Deeds, formerly of the #Rangers, to minor league deals."
Earlier: Free-agent infielder Jorge Cantu is close to a deal with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Cantu, who turns 30 in later this month, signed a non-guaranteed deal with the Padres worth around $850,000 last season. The Angels could be looking for a right-handed bat to bring off the bench, and Cantu can play the corner infield positions. With Mark Trumbo out and the uncertainty of Kendry Morales' future, the Angels are likely taking a flyer and hoping for the best in Cantu.
After hitting a forgettable .194/.232/.285 slash line with the Padres in 155 plate appearances last season, it doesn't seem Cantu has much left in the tank. The 30-year-old was released in June and then signed with the Rockies in July, but didn't make it to the majors.
- Twitter / @JonHeymanCBS: my neighbor jorge cantu is getting close to a deal with the #angels