Busy Angels acquire Hunter

~ Matthews Jr. could be on the trading block after Los Angeles' signing.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- New Los Angeles Angels general manager Tony Reagins has been busy this week, and there may be more wheeling and dealing on the way.

The Angels agreed to a five-year, $90 million contract with free agent center fielder Torii Hunter on Wednesday, two days after they traded shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the Chicago White Sox for pitcher Jon Garland.

The two acquisitions might seem a bit puzzling because the team already had a center fielder in Gary Matthews Jr. -- who signed a five-year, $50 million contract last November -- and they already had five starting pitchers.

That indicates the Angels may not have completed their big-picture plans.

Reagins, who took over for Bill Stoneman after the season, said signing Hunter has no bearing on other moves, adding that he remains open to anything he believes will strengthen the team.

"But I like our club today," he said. "We have a productive offense and defense and think we're going to pitch well. If it started today, I'd be ready to go."

The Angels appear to be in a strong bargaining position, with possibly a starting pitcher, Matthews, and several younger players available to be dealt. Among the players they might pursue is Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada.

Adding Hunter, whose deal is subject to passing a physical, gives them something they've lacked the past few years: protection for Vladimir Guerrero in the batting order. The 32-year-old Hunter hit .297 with 28 homers and drove in 107 runs for Minnesota this year. His hitting behind Guerrero will make it tougher to pitch around the Angels slugger.

Hunter said he doesn't really consider himself the "big bat."

Hunter scored 94 runs, had 45 doubles, one triple and 18 steals this year. His on-base average was .334, and he hit safely in a career-best 23 straight games. He tied for the AL lead with three grand slams, giving him nine for his career.

A seven-time Gold Glove winner, he will be the team's everyday center fielder. He said that, with Guerrero in right, Garret Anderson in left and Matthews filling in, it will be the best hitting group of outfielders he's played with.

Although Hunter's arrival would appear to make Matthews the odd man out, manager Mike Scioscia said Matthews would have an active role and that having Hunter would give him more options. He intends to use Guerrero and Anderson at DH some, and have Matthews spell them in the outfield.