The Angels Non-Tender Williams, Nelson, and Hanson

Aug 21, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels third baseman Chris Nelson (8), first baseman Mark Trumbo (left), pitcher Jerome Williams (57) and catcher Hank Conger (16) react during the game against the Cleveland Indians at Angel Stadium. The Indians defeated the Angels 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The club announced the non-tendering of RHP Jerome Williams, 3B Chris Nelson, and RHP Tommy Hanson this Monday.

Williams has spent time with 4 major league clubs, including the San Francisco Giants, the Chicago Cubs, the Washington Nationals, and since the 2011 season the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Rumors were flying around in the past week that Williams’ agent hoped that the Angels would not offer him a contract, as quoted in this tweet from Chris Cotillo, a writer for MLB Daily Dish:

Jerome has compiled a career 4.35 ERA, with an overall win-lose record of 42-47. The Hawaii native spent a little more than half of the 2013 season out of the bullpen but when Jered Weaver broke his elbow in April of this year he was given the opportunity to become a starter. He finished the 2013 season as a starter, ending with a 4.57 ERA, 107 strike outs, and a 1.39 WHIP. His non-tender opened up nearly $4M on the Angels’ payroll.

The Angels acquired third baseman Chris Nelson off waivers this year from the New York Yankees. He was assigned to the club’s triple A affiliate the Salt Lake City Bees in June, but was subsequently called back up to the major leagues following the trade of Alberto Callspo in July. Nelson was the Angels’ replacement third baseman until he suffered a strained right hamstring in late August. He finished 2013 batting .227, with 3 home runs and 24 RBI. He has spent time with three major league clubs, including the Colorado Rockies, the New York Yankees, and the Angels. His non-tender freed up around $490,000 for the Angels’ payroll.

Tommy Hanson is the Angels’ last victim of non-tender. The right hander posted a 5.42 ERA in 13 games started before he was sent down to the club’s triple-A affiliate. He finished the season in triple A, and was a prime suspect to not receive a tender after the 2013 season. Hanson was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in 2013 for reliever Jordan Walden. He has spent time with only two clubs, the Atlanta Braves and the Angels. The club cleared up nearly $5M in payroll with the non-tender of  Hanson.

With the non-tendering of Jerome Williams, Chris Nelson, and Tommy Hanson, the club has cleared up nearly $10M to fill the two spots open in the starting rotation. Hopefully this off season will be a productive one for general manager Jerry Dipoto, as he has a lot of spots to fill regarding pitching.