Angels to Offer Olson a Contract
The Angels, still trying to fill the void created a year ago by Bryan Harvey’s departure, will offer an incentive-laden contract to free-agent reliever Gregg Olson today or Friday, General Manager Whitey Herzog said Wednesday.
Olson, 27, has been one of the most dependable relievers in the American League the last five seasons, gaining at least 27 saves each season. With 160 saves in his career, he ranks 14th among active pitchers.
Olson became a free agent on Dec. 20, when the Baltimore Orioles refused to offer him salary arbitration. Although he had 29 saves and a 1.60 earned-run average last season, the Orioles are concerned about the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow that sidelined him for 38 games in August and September.
“We think his elbow will be fine,” Herzog said. “We consider him one of the premier relief pitchers in baseball.”
If the Angels were to acquire Olson, Herzog said reliever Joe Grahe likely would be moved back to the starting rotation.
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