Angels Lose Two; Add One In Rule V Draft

One of the Angels options for the utility infield spot is gone now. Angel Sanchez was picked up today in the Rule V draft by the Chicago White Sox. Sanchez has to stay on the 25 man roster for the White Sox for the entire year or be offered back to the Angels for $50,000 or work out a trade for him.

Apr 3, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Angel Sanchez (36) hits a single against the Chicago White Sox in the first inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Sanchez was signed to a minor league deal this off-season. Sanchez last appeared in the majors in 2011 with the Houston Astros, where he hit .240 in 288 at-bats. The Angels covered themselves with the acquisition of Thomas Field, plus they have Andrew Romine as well, and they could always bring in another body or two to compete for the spot.There is also a minor league part of the draft as well and the Angels lost lefty Tyler Kehrer to the Miami Marlins. Kehrer was a sandwich pick for the Angels in the 2009 draft. Last year, he was with high-A and went 2-3 with a 5.82 ERA. He was a starter earlier in his minor league career and became a reliever back in 2011. He had more walks than strikeouts last season.

The Angels declined to take anyone in the major league portion, but took outfield Robbie Widlansky from the Baltimore Orioles in the AAA part. The 27 year old outfielder had a very good year in AA last year, hitting .316 with a .404 on base in 128 games. He also had 35 doubles last season. He played 2011 in AAA and hit .283 with a .345 OBP.

It just gives them extra depth in the minors in the outfield and who knows, maybe the catch lightning in a bottle.