Offseason
During the offseason, the Angels released Adam Kennedy and Darin Erstad, two of the few players remaining from their 2002 World Series championship team, forcing the Angels to rely on their rookies and younger veterans for the early part of the season. In November, they signed former Texas Rangers center fielder Gary Matthews, Jr. to a 5-year contract worth $50 million. Outfielder Juan Rivera broke a leg playing winter baseball in the Venezuelan winter league, leading the Angels to sign free agent Shea Hillenbrand. The Angels solidified their bullpen for the 2007 season by re-signing set-up man Scot Shields and closer Francisco RodrÃguez each to one-year contracts and acquiring Justin Speier and Darren Oliver via free agency.
Late in Spring Training, third baseman Chone Figgins fractured his finger, putting him out of action for the first month of the season. This unexpected injury led Maicer Izturis to claim the start at third base entering the season.
Read more about this topic: 2007 Los Angeles Angels Of Anaheim Season