Angels Sign Ex-Ranger Lefferts as Middle Reliever, Setup Man
It is hardly the elixir to all of their bullpen woes, but the Angels acquired what they believe will be invaluable experience Thursday when they signed left-hander Craig Lefferts to a one-year contract.
Lefferts was guaranteed $400,000 in 1994 and can earn $900,000 in incentives if he appears in 68 games or pitches 90 innings.
Lefferts, 36, the Texas Rangers’ opening-day starter last season, becomes the Angels’ first free-agent signee of the winter. He will be used primarily as a middle reliever and setup man, but also can be a spot starter.
“We’re realistic about everything,” Angel General Manager Bill Bavasi said, “but we think he can help us.”
Lefferts, who made eight starts and 44 relief appearances last season for Texas, was 3-9 with a 6.05 ERA.
Lefferts fills the void left by Steve Frey, who signed with the San Francisco Giants.
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