Angels trade 1B-DH Morales to Mariners for Vargas
SEATTLE (AP) — The Los Angeles Angels got the pitching depth they wanted. The Seattle Mariners got the power-bat they so desperately needed.
Two foes in the AL West found a way to work together Wednesday when the Angels traded switch-hitting slugger Kendrys Morales to the Seattle Mariners for left-hander Jason Vargas, filling needs for both teams.
The 29-year-old Morales became expendable after the Angels agreed to a deal last week with free agent slugger Josh Hamilton. The Angels had been looking for a pitcher after losing Zack Greinke and Dan Haren to free agency and trading Ervin Santana.
The Angels added a left-hander to their rotation, while Seattle got a hitter than can instantly take a spot in the middle of its order.
"We were going to try and come up with some type of offense and I think this worked out in a positive way," Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "Both players are at the end of their contracts."
Getting Vargas reunites the lefty with his former Long Beach State teammate Jered Weaver at the top of the Angels' rotation. The duo played college ball together in 2004 and now will be counted on in helping make the big money the Angels spent on Hamilton and Albert Pujols last season pay off.
"I'm back home in California now," Vargas said. "It's perfect."
Vargas grew up in Southern California where his father coached high school baseball. He used to watch his second cousin, infielder Randy Velarde, play for the Angels in the late 1990s.
Vargas led Seattle in wins last season, going 14-11 with a 3.85 ERA and pitched a career-high 217 1-3 innings. The 29-year-old is 36-42 with a 4.09 ERA in four years with the Mariners.
"Jason was what we were looking for on the market this year: just a steady reliable left-hander who can go out there. He's got a history of pitching a high volume of innings and clearly I think we make ourselves a little bit better just in that we don't have to face him because he's given us fits," Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "So we're thrilled to make the deal. We feel like this makes us a better, more complete and balanced team."
In his career, Vargas is 5-4 with a 2.65 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 85 innings pitched against the Angels.
A flyball pitcher, Vargas is excited to have an outfield that includes Rookie of the Year Mike Trout and Hamilton.
"Those guys out there behind me is outstanding," he said.
Morales hit .273 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs last season after missing the entire 2011 season after breaking his leg early in 2010 while celebrating a game-ending grand slam against the Mariners. Morales was at his best later in 2012, hitting .275 with 11 homers, 28 RBIs and an OPS of .827 over the final two months. Among its regular starters, no Seattle hitter had an OPS higher than .738 for the 2012 season.
Morales said his leg got progressively stronger through last season and has felt 100 percent during offseason workouts.
"It's allowing me to work this offseason for the first time since about two years back," Morales said through an interpreter. "Following workouts and what I'm doing, I'm feeling no pain, no inflammation. So at this point I would say I feel 100 percent."
Morales could quickly become the most productive hitter in the Mariners lineup. He would have led Seattle in home runs and been second in RBIs last season and could be even more potent with the Mariners bringing the fences closer in the outfield.
In 34 career games at Safeco Field, Morales is a .292 hitter with a .904 OPS, seven home runs and 23 RBIs.
"I thought it was a situation where we could acquire a middle of the lineup bat, and a switch hitter. And here is a guy who played in this division, here is a guy who knows the American League. I thought that was really good," Zduriencik said.
Zduriencik said the conversations with Dipoto became serious on Tuesday morning and the deal was wrapped up by midday on Wednesday.
The acquisition of Morales will instantly boost Seattle's offense but also creates a log-jam of with catcher/designated hitter Jesus Montero and first baseman Justin Smoak. Morales started just 28 games at first base last season, but Zduriencik said they are confident he could play in the field. He's also hopeful that Montero comes to spring training ready to be the everyday catcher.
"As long as we create competition and as long as we have these pieces in spring training we'll see what happens," Zduriencik said. "I don't have the exact answer. We've certainly talked about a lot of scenarios and feel very comfortable that there will be enough at-bats to go around for all these guys but at the end if you've added a piece that you think makes your club better, that's just better."
Morales and Vargas each are eligible for salary arbitration and can become free agents after next season. Morales made $2,975,000 and Vargas $4.85 million last year.
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AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.
Two foes in the AL West found a way to work together Wednesday when the Angels traded switch-hitting slugger Kendrys Morales to the Seattle Mariners for left-hander Jason Vargas, filling needs for both teams.
The 29-year-old Morales became expendable after the Angels agreed to a deal last week with free agent slugger Josh Hamilton. The Angels had been looking for a pitcher after losing Zack Greinke and Dan Haren to free agency and trading Ervin Santana.
The Angels added a left-hander to their rotation, while Seattle got a hitter than can instantly take a spot in the middle of its order.
"We were going to try and come up with some type of offense and I think this worked out in a positive way," Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "Both players are at the end of their contracts."
Getting Vargas reunites the lefty with his former Long Beach State teammate Jered Weaver at the top of the Angels' rotation. The duo played college ball together in 2004 and now will be counted on in helping make the big money the Angels spent on Hamilton and Albert Pujols last season pay off.
"I'm back home in California now," Vargas said. "It's perfect."
Vargas grew up in Southern California where his father coached high school baseball. He used to watch his second cousin, infielder Randy Velarde, play for the Angels in the late 1990s.
Vargas led Seattle in wins last season, going 14-11 with a 3.85 ERA and pitched a career-high 217 1-3 innings. The 29-year-old is 36-42 with a 4.09 ERA in four years with the Mariners.
"Jason was what we were looking for on the market this year: just a steady reliable left-hander who can go out there. He's got a history of pitching a high volume of innings and clearly I think we make ourselves a little bit better just in that we don't have to face him because he's given us fits," Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "So we're thrilled to make the deal. We feel like this makes us a better, more complete and balanced team."
In his career, Vargas is 5-4 with a 2.65 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 85 innings pitched against the Angels.
A flyball pitcher, Vargas is excited to have an outfield that includes Rookie of the Year Mike Trout and Hamilton.
"Those guys out there behind me is outstanding," he said.
Morales hit .273 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs last season after missing the entire 2011 season after breaking his leg early in 2010 while celebrating a game-ending grand slam against the Mariners. Morales was at his best later in 2012, hitting .275 with 11 homers, 28 RBIs and an OPS of .827 over the final two months. Among its regular starters, no Seattle hitter had an OPS higher than .738 for the 2012 season.
Morales said his leg got progressively stronger through last season and has felt 100 percent during offseason workouts.
"It's allowing me to work this offseason for the first time since about two years back," Morales said through an interpreter. "Following workouts and what I'm doing, I'm feeling no pain, no inflammation. So at this point I would say I feel 100 percent."
Morales could quickly become the most productive hitter in the Mariners lineup. He would have led Seattle in home runs and been second in RBIs last season and could be even more potent with the Mariners bringing the fences closer in the outfield.
In 34 career games at Safeco Field, Morales is a .292 hitter with a .904 OPS, seven home runs and 23 RBIs.
"I thought it was a situation where we could acquire a middle of the lineup bat, and a switch hitter. And here is a guy who played in this division, here is a guy who knows the American League. I thought that was really good," Zduriencik said.
Zduriencik said the conversations with Dipoto became serious on Tuesday morning and the deal was wrapped up by midday on Wednesday.
The acquisition of Morales will instantly boost Seattle's offense but also creates a log-jam of with catcher/designated hitter Jesus Montero and first baseman Justin Smoak. Morales started just 28 games at first base last season, but Zduriencik said they are confident he could play in the field. He's also hopeful that Montero comes to spring training ready to be the everyday catcher.
"As long as we create competition and as long as we have these pieces in spring training we'll see what happens," Zduriencik said. "I don't have the exact answer. We've certainly talked about a lot of scenarios and feel very comfortable that there will be enough at-bats to go around for all these guys but at the end if you've added a piece that you think makes your club better, that's just better."
Morales and Vargas each are eligible for salary arbitration and can become free agents after next season. Morales made $2,975,000 and Vargas $4.85 million last year.
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AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report.
I think this is a decent move. The Mariners need some bats really bad and they can afford to give up some pitching. I still think we're a few batters away from contention but hey, this is a step in the right direction.
Good move here. Vargas gave up the most homers of anyone on the staff last year and we are bringing the fences in!!!! This is an opportunity to bring up Hultzen. Oh yeah! that other stud lefty pitcher we have with a better curve and a real fastball.
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Now we just need to put Brendan Ryan and Smoak on a ship to Russia...
I like the deal. Morales hit's from both sides and can play 1B full time. Â If we can even get a sniff of what he did in 2009 this deal becomes even better. Â He's coming off a bad injury and had a pretty good year last year, should be even more healthy and back to 100% this spring for sure. Â For those against it let me ask you this, if he hits .275 with 30 HR and 100 RBI playing at least 140 games at 1B with some DH sprinkled in do you like the deal?
@oledawg His batting average has gone down every year since 2009, what makes you think he is going to improve? History in MLB has proved different with so many top prospects who play well their first year and then end up being busts every year after that.
 @LiveFreeOrDie  @oledawg I factor in his injury and rehab.  Expecting .275 isn't improving, it's what he did last year.  He hit .306 in 152 games in 2009, I'm not expecting that.
 @oledawg You might want to factor in that Pujols, Trout, Trumbo--to name a few--all hit around this guy---and he wasn't very good(not his old self for sure)--EVERYBODY in baseball who watched the Angels play saw it. Its no secret.
If he hits .275 and has 30 HRs this year, he'll probably be the best hitting Mariner. I'd call that an improvement overall.
Here we go again.... Giving up good talent for someone who's best days are behind them. When will this team ever learn. A lefty no less. This trade will come back to haunt us this next year. And it stll won't gets butts in the seats!
 @egle Vargas struggled in giving up home runs when away from Seattle. They see him struggling after the fences are moved in since it will become considerably easier to hit home runs next year. I think this is a good move as long as Morales keeps his 270 batting average 20+ home runs going.
In other sports news..the Seattle Mariners traded Felix to the Yankees for Ichiro.
Great move.  I think they've just sent Smoak signals.
Another opportunity for the Ms to sing the song...
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. Giving away capable talent does little to help the team...thanks...
 @takncarabizniz We have plenty of up and coming pitching talent. We need power and we need it now.
@Hachee_Bungwhy Enjoy your Morales bobblehead doll.
@jb_22 But yet you remembered my post...LOL Dooouchy
 @LiveFreeOrDie  @Hachee_Bungwhy It wasn't funny when you posted it last night.
 @Hachee_Bungwhy Morales is your savior???? LMAO....he barely did anything with Trout, Pujols and Trumbo around him.
 @SandyBeach  @Hachee_Bungwhy Morales is a good start. He hit much higher than the Mariners team average and as long as he continues in the 270 20+ home run range, he will help bring the team average up. His 20+ home run capability will provide more flexibility in going after someone like Bourn. Also, he is scheduled to make about half as much money as Vargas next year, so that will free up a good chunk of extra money.
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Vargas would have trouble next year with the fences moving in. He's benefited from playing in one of the most hitter friendly parks in baseball.
Congrats Vargas your going to a team that can really play good baseball and have a chance at the playoffs something you would have never seen in Seattle..
Sounds like another Figgins trade.
 @LiveFreeOrDie Figgins has a completely different style. He hit for singles and speed. Morales has historically been someone who can hit for extra bases and home runs, which is something the Mariners desperately need more of with the fences coming in.
 @LiveFreeOrDie Figgens was a free agent.... Coming from the Angles is about where the similarities stop between the two.
@JK15 Enjoy your Morales bobble head doll.
Not an M's fan, but I don't see why anyone is complaining. Vargas is a #4-type starter with very mediocre stuff.
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Morales is relatively young and will be another year removed from his awful injury. How many potential .300, 30-homer bats can you get for so little?
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All you people gripe about lack of offense, and then you gripe when the M's try to improve it. I give up.
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 @MVDad A number 4?????????????????? You should follow baseball a little more closely.
 @SandyBeach  @MVDad He benefited from a very pitcher friendly park. This year it won't be as friendly to him since he's a pop fly pitcher. If you look at his stats, he gives up a lot of home runs in stadiums similar to what the Mariners will be next year. The Mariners are stacked with up and coming young talent, so letting him go for a potential power bat isn't a terrible move in my opinion.
 @SandyBeach He has a career ERA of almost 5.00 away from Safeco and has probably never hit 90 MPH in his life. And you think he's some kind of Felix Jr. or something? I repeat - I give up.
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(And yes, I follow baseball fairly closely, I just do it with both eyes open.)
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 @Paddy  @jb_22 You dont have to throw 100 to get guys out---ask Dickey---or maybe Moyer, if the other names arent good enough for you. In my opinion---you guys are clueless.
 @jb_22  @SandyBeach Agreed. Those other pitchers are slightly different than Vargas.
 @SandyBeach Are you really trying to compare Vargas to Maddux, Pettitte, and Glavine? <--- Also, 1 question mark is all that's needed.
 @MVDad 90 mph?????? You should tell tyhat to Glavine, Maddux, Pettitte, etc....again, LEARN THE GAME!!!!!
 @SandyBeach  Vargas is decent...........at Safeco. We have enough pitching coming up in the system. We need hitting badly. We've seen how far excellent rotations get us...................3rd place at best.
 @the unvarnished truth  @Hachee_Bungwhy  @SandyBeach Hultzen, Walker, and Paxton are some of the best pitching prospects in all baseball. They are still very young and have sky high ceilings. There are others as well, but the above names are the biggest. We are much shorter on hitting.
Or, you should stop being such a homer.....He is a 4 or 5 on any other team. The great thing about sports, the numbers don't lie.
Ok,the Mariners have lost it.We got a humble pitcher with good numbers,a lefty which you want,a fan favorite,and we trade him.Idiots...............................I could see Fister cuz he was cursed and couldnt win here,but this is stupid.We will pay for this Im positive..........................
 @grog You mean by losing? Cause if so then... umm.. yea.
Bummer.Â
Vargas' line vs. the Ms will be stout----8 inn, 3 hits, 10Ks, 0BBs --no runs and of course a W.(prolly go 3-0 against them)
Morales was mediocre last yr....and that was with big bats hitting around him. This was all about the benjamins. No way this makes the Ms better.
 @SandyBeach 275 with 20+ home runs would have been a top hitter for the Mariners last year. He's not an all star, but we desperately need to start chipping away at the plague that has been the Mariners offense the last few years.Â
 @SandyBeach If only there was a reason as to why his numbers slumped last year. Â
I hope he learned how to celebrate without breaking his leg, wait he will be playing for the Mariners there is no celebrating.
I love this move!! Vargas was terrible and Morales gives us a power bat!
 @Slapshot Vargas was terrible?????? You don't know jack.
 @SandyBeach  @Slapshot He was mediocre last season.
 @boeing737200  @SandyBeach  @Slapshot I like the trade but both players were mediocre last season. Performance wise, Vargas was a little better but i see that changing next year with Morales being more healthy,
And once again, the Angels school the Mariners.
He became expendable yet we offered up our second best pitcher to get him? Being expendable means getting traded for little or nothing because he no longer has a place on the roster....  not acquiring a 14 game winner in exchange... wow.
@BigBrother206
I agree! I don't know what the M's use for brains! Unfortunately that's been their history!!
 @gecadero1  @BigBrother206 I'm not sure how you figure that the Angles got the best out of this deal. Vargas is a 4th or 5th starter on any other club. (look at his numbers away from Safeco) and they are loaded with pitching in the minors. You re not going to get a top hitter for a mediocre pitcher. Just because Morales was expendable doesn't mean they were going to ship him off for nothing. Not to mention, his number were not bad considering he sat the whole 2011 season.
 @BigBrother206 No kidding.  The Angels got the best end of this deal.Â