--Mike Scioscia was named the American League Manager of the Year by the Sporting News. Scioscia led the Angels to their fifth division title in the past six seasons despite an early-season rash of injuries (particularly to the starting pitching) and the tragic death of young pitcher Nick Adenhart. --RHP Kelvim Escobar is planning on playing winter ball in his native Venezuela this year to show that he has finally recovered from shoulder surgery. Escobar had surgery to repair a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder in July 2008 and has pitched just five innings total in the past two season while trying to recover. His contract with the Angels ran out this season, and he is eligible for free agency. --OF Gary Matthews Jr. said he has asked the team to trade or release him this winter, and he does not expect to be back with the Angels next season. Matthews signed a five-year, $50 million contract as a free agent before the 2007 season but has been relegated to a reserve role the past two seasons by the signing of CF Torii Hunter. Matthews still has two years and $23 million left on the contract, but he no longer has a full no-trade clause. He can veto a trade to only four specified teams.
--INF Brandon Wood will not be playing winter ball this year. The Angels' top prospect, Wood has not fared well in recent winter-league stints and was sent home by his team each of the past two winters. Wood is out of minor league options next season and will compete for the third base job if Chone Figgins leaves as a free agent.
--In addition to seven potential free agents, the Angels have eight arbitration-eligible players this winter: 2B Howie Kendrick, SS Erick Aybar, C Mike Napoli, C Jeff Mathis, INF Maicer Izturis, OF Reggie Willits, RHP Jered Weaver and LHP Joe Saunders.
BY THE NUMBERS: 94.5 -- The Angels' average victory total over the past six seasons.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I don't want to show up in spring training without those guys." -- RHP Scot Shields, on the prospect of the Angels losing OF/DH Vladimir Guerrero, 3B Chone Figgins and RHP John Lackey as free agents this winter.
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