The Angels signed left-hander Travis Chick and outfielder Cory Aldridge to minor league contracts that include an invitation to spring training. Both are likely to play for the Angels' triple-A Salt Lake affiliate.
Chick, 25, went 8-7 with a 4.22 earned-run average for the Dodgers' double-A Chattanooga affiliate last season. He has pitched in three major league games -- as a reliever for the Seattle Mariners three years ago -- and he has been traded for
Ismael Valdez,
Joe Randa and
Eddie Guardado in a pro career that started in 2002.
Aldridge, 30, hit .316 with 22 home runs for the Royals' triple-A Omaha affiliate last season. He has five at-bats in the major leagues, all with the Atlanta Braves in 2001.
The Angels also signed left-hander
Camilo Vasquez and re-signed shortstop
Gary Patchett and right-handers
Ricky Alvarez and
Mike Rocco and
Taylor Wilding. None of those players received an invitation to spring training,
-- Bill Shaikin
