According to a report on ESPN.com, Gary Matthews, Jr. has agreed to a 5-year, $50 million dollar contract with the Los Angeles Angels. The centerfielder is coming off a career year at the age of 32 with the Texas Rangers.
Several reports have indicated the Cubs had interest in Matthews after the signing of Alfonso Soriano and other reports have indicated the Cubs are interested in Julio Lugo converting to centerfield which would push Soriano to right field. The Daily Herald’s Bruce Miles, along with other outlets, are reporting Soriano will likely play right instead of center….but only time will tell. Also, according to several reports on ESPN Radio, Carlos Lee is expected to announce which team he will be signing with by the weekend. The Orioles have reportedly been courting the left fielder as of late and ESPN is naming the Baltimore Sun as the source for their report. According to ESPN, the Astros and Phillies remain in strong contention.