Angels Rumors: Zack Greinke, Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells

As the Los Angeles Angels prepare to start their offseason earlier than hoped or expected, general manager Jerry Dipoto said his top priorities this winter include re-signing right-hander Zack Greinke and outfielder Torii Hunter and trading outfielder Vernon Wells, reports Mike DiGiovanna of the Los Angeles Times:

"We love Torii and have a tremendous interest in bringing him back," Dipoto said. "But a lot of what we do with our position players will be predicated by what we do to create pitching depth."

Dipoto will begin serious talks with the agent for Greinke, who was acquired from Milwaukee on July 27, soon. "That's something we'd like to explore," Dipoto said.

Dipoto added that he’s hoping to find another starting pitcher or two and bolster the bullpen. Two current Angels’ starters are expected to be let go in Dan Haren and Ervin Santana. Each have contract options for the 2013 season that are not expected to be exercised.

While the Angels have a lot committed to players already, Dipoto said LA’s "never been short of resources."

While he turned 37 in July, Hunter hit .313/.365/.451 with 24 doubles and 16 home runs over 534 at-bats this season. Greinke went 6-2 with a 3.53 ERA over 13 appearances with the Angels after being acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers this summer.

Wells sits on the other end of the spectrum, as the 33-year-old has been a disappointment since coming over from the Toronto Blue Jays prior to the 2011 season. He’s only hit .222/.258/.409 over two seasons in LA, and has another $42 million remaining on his contract, which runs through the 2014 season.