Los Angeles Angels Agree To One Year Deal With Tommy Hanson Avoiding Arbitration

The Los Angeles Angels locked up another one of their arbitration eligible players, avoiding arbitration. This time it was newly acquired right handed pitcher Tommy Hanson. The team and Hanson agreed to a one year deal worth $3.725 million.

October 2, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tommy Hanson (48) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Hanson was acquired from the Atlanta Braves back in November for right handed reliever Jordan Walden. Hanson was 13-10 with a 4.41 ERA for the Braves in 2012 and this was the first year that he was arbitration eligible.

Hanson is going to be an important cog for the Angels this year. Hanson is slotted into that number three spot in the rotation behind Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson. Hanson was always considered a top prospect in baseball, but his performance in the majors has been uneven to this point.

I expect there to be a little bit of an adjustment period for Hanson. He’ll be coming over to a new league, just like Albert Pujols did last year, so he has to get used to some of the hitters, especially considering he may have never faced some of them before. The important thing for him is to try and get comfortable with the team as quick as he can and make sure that the team (and the fans) don’t panic if he has a bad April.

I think it’s important for him to get off to a good start during spring training. It’s also important that his back is healthy as well, considering it’s given him problems off and on throughout his career.

Jason Vargas and Kevin Jepsen remain the arbitration eligible players who have yet to sign. Today is the deadline for teams and players to exchange figures. We will see if any more deals get done today.