Angels Sign Veteran Reliever LaTroy Hawkins

In a move reminiscent of Tony Reagin’s “big splash” 2010 winter, new GM Jerry Dipoto went out and got himself a veteran bullpen arm. When the Angels were rumored to be the Albert Pujols mystery team, Dipoto blew off interest in the slugger, stressing his relief pither desire…

"“We want to find someone who can complement Jordan Walden, not replace him,” Dipoto said. “That would be our primary focus, someone who could help us get the last nine outs of a game. It’s a relay team, and our primary objective is to have Jordan be that final leg.”"

In related news, I learned that LaTroy Hawkins is still pitching in the Majors. The soon-to-be-39-year-old right hander is coming off a 48.1 innings season for the Brewers with a 2.42 ERA and 2.76 FIP (fielding independent pitching). Hawkins has a career 4.48 ERA and4.29 FIP over his 17-year career. But as they say, the 18th season and ninth team are the charm. Plus according to Twitter, he fits the important criteria…

and…

Hawkins has actually pitched in every situation and is old enough to be Jordan Walden’s dad, provided he was frisky in his mid-teens. And he lives next door to Torii Hunter? Is there anything he can’t do?

Hawkins signed a one-year, $3 million deal and it looks like a steal to me.