Gary Matthews Jr. wants out of Anaheim

While three Angels headed for free agency -- Vladimir Guerrero, Bobby Abreu and Chone Figgins -- have expressed publicly a desire to return to Anaheim, one player who has two years remaining on his contract has no desire to return to the Angels in 2010.

"I don't expect to be back; it's time to move on," outfielder Gary Matthews Jr. said as he packed his belongings in the team's Angel Stadium clubhouse today. "I'm ready to play for an organization that wants me to play every day. This organization has other plans, and that's OK."

Matthews signed a five-year, $50-million contract to be the Angels' center fielder in 2007 but was derailed in the second half of that season by a knee injury. Matthews eventually had surgery on the knee  last winter.

The Angels signed Torii Hunter to a five-year, $90-million deal to play center field before 2008, and by this season, Matthews was relegated to a fifth outfielder role, batting .250 in 103 games, with four homers and 50 runs batted in.

Matthews has $23 million remaining on his contract and a no-trade clause that will allow him to block deals to four clubs of his choosing. He requested a trade last March and again around the All-Star break and has had numerous discussions with General Manager Tony Reagins, who appears willing to accommodate Matthews' request.

However, the Angels are expected to have to eat a significant portion of that $23 million in order to trade Matthews, 35. And though two outfielders ahead of him -- Guerrero and Abreu -- could leave via free agency, opening up a possible starting job, Matthews still wants out.

"I just feel like it's time for me to play for an organization that believes I can contribute every day, from day one," Matthews said.

As for his hefty contract, Matthews said he doesn't expect it to be a deterrent.

"It's definitely not as big as it was a year ago," Matthews said. "Obviously, there are some teams that can't afford it, but when I'm playing every day, I feel I can be a top-line center fielder, and that, I would think, is what a lot of teams want."

-- Mike DiGiovanna

Comments

[Alex Forthright]

Trade him for a dog & a beer & call it a day.

[eeebayou]

Sarge Jr. carries quite a bit of baggage. The sheer $$$'s of his contract is one thing (he made twice what Abreu made last year) along with the sneaky feeling that he won't be putting up any "super-human" type numbers in the future. Every MLB roster has a player or two that had career numbers in 2004-2006, signed a huge contract, and has now seen their power numbers mysteriously vanish or their fastball lose 5-10 MPH, along with looking like they've shrunk.

Sarge Jr. robbed the Bank of Moreno and got away with it. He should leave well enough alone and enjoy counting his money every day. Who knows, maybe someday he'll get a job as a hitting coach or as a horse racing analyst for TVG.

[Ernest Hemingway]

I hope Gary and the Angels both get what they want. Let the guy go somewhere where he can contribute on an everyday basis. I think he hit about .300 during the second half of the season while filling in for guys who were hurt. It's kind of ashame in a way. He had to be the last guy to make an out--coming off the bench--to face Mariano Rivera in the bottom of the 9th in game 6 at Yankee Stadium. Not a real memorable moment. I can't help but wonder how Gary might have done starting in place of Juan Rivera in a few of the playoff games. Good luck, Gary. And thanks for being a good sport while you had to watch from the bench for most of the last 2 seasons.

[JP]

what a joke. $50 million says you do what you're asked to do, whether you're a starter or a 5th OF. congrats on parlaying your solid 1/2 season in 2006 into a $50m contract. you fooled everyone into thinking you were actually a good ball player. now just sit back, collect your money, wait to see if you get traded or not, and shut the f up about what you want. as long the angels pay your ridiculous salary, you are their property and they can do what they want with you, for better or worse.

[michael]

Really sorry to see this. I sometimes feel like I'm the only Matthews fan ANYWHERE. Watch the highlight reels.... Gary is capable and has made the same acrobatic catches that Torii makes. Stealing home. Made some clutch pinch hits. Didn't have a great batting average over the course of the year, but filled in admirably during Torii's injury, contributing to the winning record. He's a professional athlete, he wants to play, and I think he should have shared at least as much time with Rivera as Mathis shared with Napoli. He has more speed than Rivera or Abreu.

[Bruce S]

Good riddance to bad rubbish.

[Bearnut]

I think GMJ did an admirable job in place of Torii Hunter. But he is not a front line player, if ever he was. His contract has to go down as one of the worst ever by the Angels.

[Ernest Hemingway]

I wish Gary well. I think a lot of people have bagged on this guy long enough. He helped the team win in the second half of the season, filling in for an injured Torii Hunter and hitting .300 in the process. I guess it was somewhat fitting for those fans who never had lost all faith in him for Gary to be the last out--striking out against Mariano Rivera in Game 6 of the ALCS. I hope he and the Angels get what each wants in the offseason so evveryone can move forward.

[s]

Aww, don't leave Gary....who would I have to boo at Angels' games? I always enjoyed heckling you from day one, as you personified a player who cashed in with a big contract. You never lived up to that contract and showed why you were a player that was WAIVED 8 times.

GMJ-Artie Moreno just called and wants his money back...just forfeit the contract and you can go play for the Royals.

[Justin]

Gary wants to play for another team? Well, now, isn't THAT a funny coincidence! Guess what I want?

I am sure teams are lining up to pick up a 10 million dollar a year contract for a .258 hitter who has only hit over 300 once in his career: the same season that - coincidentally - he was accused of taking HGH.

[Tony B]

The National could use him. Doubt they'd pay that much for him, though. Why should the Angels pick up any of his contract if he wants out? Go stick some needles up your butt, Gary

[Brian C.]

Don't let the Halo hit you in the rear on your way out. This was one of the biggest blunders that the Angels have made in the last few years. You just knew that after his big walk season in Texas that he was looking to get a big payday then go back to his usual type of seasons.....an average player with a great glove.