Ex-Angels Alicea and Howell Find Better Opportunities Elsewhere

Unwilling to pay a high price for depth, the Angels saw second baseman Luis Alicea and utility player Jack Howell sign with other teams Tuesday, leaving them with two more holes to fill.

Alicea signed a two-year, $1.5-million deal with the Texas Rangers. Howell signed a two-year, $1.05-million contract with the Houston Astros.

Both became available without requiring compensation when the Angels declined to offer salary arbitration Sunday.

“When push came to shove, apparently they had large, multiyear, guaranteed deals that we couldn’t do,” Angel General Manager Bill Bavasi said. “Both played prominent roles on the club, but we can’t forget that they were roles.”

Alicea, who made $350,000, batted .253 last season after Randy Velarde injured his elbow in spring training. Alicea was looking for a starting role, which the Angels could not guarantee.

Proven reserves to choose from in the free-agent market are Rey Sanchez, Craig Shipley, Jeff Huson and Luis Rivera.

A replacement for Howell already may be in line. The Angels acquired Phil Nevin from Detroit last month.