The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim had a pretty quiet offseason. By quiet I mean the organization made the single biggest free agent splash in Major League Baseball in more than a decade. Albert Pujols is an Angel. So is the most coveted free agent pitcher from the offseason C.J. Wilson (*). Under Owner Arte Moreno and new General Manager Jerry Dipoto (**), Anaheim has transformed into one of the league’s powerhouses. The franchise’s payroll is approaching (and in the near future) will exceed $150 million. In 2012, the Angels will have the fourth highest payroll in MLB – behind New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. From 2002 through 2009 the team made the playoffs six out of eight years before missing out the last two seasons. With the offseason the team had, Anaheim put itself in great position to end their two-year postseason drought.

(*) Crazily they agreed to terms with the organization on the same day. 

(**) Throw in a new lucrative television rights deal as well. Continue reading →