"We were content going to spring training with the club we had in place," GM Tony Reagins said. "This opportunity just made a lot of sense to us, to be able to add a player of Bobby's caliber.

"He's athletic. He's a run-producer. Obviously he sees a lot of pitches. He's a patient hitter. We're very excited to have him on board."

Abreu made $18 million in 2008 when the Yankees picked up the option year on his contract. Heading into free agency, he had visions of a three-year deal in the neighborhood of $48 million. Those offers never materialized and Abreu said his agent, Peter Greenberg, initiated talks with the Angels on a one-year deal when it became obvious he might not find a new employer before spring camps opened.

"It was tough," Abreu said. "It was my first time to be a free agent. I didn't know it would be this way. I thought it would be November, December.

"I was looking for something multiyear, but I do understand the economy situation everyone is going through. ... It was a tough experience for me. But, right now, I feel happy to have a job and the opportunity to make the playoffs with such a good team."

Abreu will replace Anderson in a four-man outfield/DH rotation with Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter and Juan Rivera.

WHERE, WHEN: Tempe Diablo Stadium, Tempe, Ariz. First exhibition game is Feb. 25 vs. Chicago White Sox.

TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE: 3B Brandon Wood has been one of the most highly regarded power prospects in the minor leagues the last few seasons. After getting brief tastes of the majors each of the last two seasons, Wood will get an extended look this spring with an opportunity to win an everyday job and fill some of the offensive void left behind when the Angels were unable to re-sign first baseman Mark Teixeira. If Wood wins the third base job, Chone Figgins could move to left field or into a roving utility role.

TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT: 1B Kendry Morales has big shoes to fill with the departure of Teixeira. A .329 hitter in parts of four minor league seasons, Morales might be a good major league hitter some day. If that day isn't 2009, fans will not let the Angels forget how Teixeira got away.

AUTHORITY FIGURES: Manager Mike Scioscia, whose 803-655 record is the best in franchise history, signed a contract extension this winter that could keep him in the Angels' dugout through the 2018 season. He led the Angels to their first World Series title in 2002. Since then, though, the Angels' regular-season success under Scioscia has not translated to the postseason. They have won only one playoff series since 2002.