That Valdes Signing Has Angel Fans Giddy

The Angels’ answer to the Texas Rangers’ signing of Alex Rodriguez for $252 million is to sign Ismael Valdes for $2.5 million (one one-hundredth of the cost). Unfortunately, there are no awards for the most prudent shopper and evidently the Angels haven’t heard the expression, “You get what you pay for!”

Gosh, if the Angels covet ineffective Dodger pitchers, they could probably get Carlos Perez for a song!

J. SCOTT SCHEFFER

Victorville

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Just when I’m about to accuse the Angels of doing nothing this off-season, they go and sign Ismael Valdes. Oh the joy. Oh the delirium. I wonder if the ticket office had to hire more help. And Mike Scioscia’s dilemma: Should he start him ahead of or behind Pat Rapp? Well, at least they didn’t do anything really dumb, like giving Darren Dreifort $55 million.

TOM CAMMALLERI

Simi Valley

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Bill Stoneman tries to assure us by saying the Angels “should have good starting pitching.” Considering they are a large-market team owned by one of the most successful companies in the world, yes, they should.

PAUL SCHOWALTER

Cypress

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I can’t wait to see what spinmeister Stoneman will say next about Disney’s off-season hibernation. It will include: 1) Spring’s not here yet, 2) We have mid-range market sensibilities, and 3) Rapp and Valdes are upgrades from Seth Etherton and Kent Mercker. Not to worry, though. Tim Salmon may end up in Arizona and we can expect to haul in a Kent Bottenfield-type bounty.

This was--and maybe still is--the best chance we’ve ever had to ascend to that sports cliche, “the next level.” As currently configured, though, I’m afraid the Angels are merely destined to be leveled.

ROB CARROLL

Lake Forest