Blue Jays deal centre-fielder Vernon Wells to Angels for Mike Napoli
Posted January 21, 2011 10:31 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – Sportsnet Radio FAN 590’s Mike Wilner has confirmed through a source that the Toronto Blue Jays have traded Vernon Wells to the LA Angels in a three player trade for Mike Napoli and Juan Rivera.
In the first few years of his extended contract Vernon Wells heard boo’s every time he walked up to the plate, up until the end of the 2009 season.
His stats improved during the 2010 season, batting .273, hitting 31 home runs and 88 RBI’s, which allowed him to be a bigger asset when it came to a trade deal.
Pending the physical, Wells will be a member of the L.A. Angels in exchange for catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli and left-fielder Juan Rivera.
Napoli is a flexable player and can be used as a catcher, a first baseman or even a designated hitter.
Rivera batted .252 last season with 15 home runs, and will fill the hole in the defense left by Wells.
Wells waved the no-trade clause that had been written into his 7 year, $126-million contract extension with the Blue Jays.
Wells joined the Jays in the first round of the 1997 amateur draft.
On Friday evening Wells tweeted – “My 1st public comments go to the people that deserve it..the Toronto fans! Thx 4 the memories. I am forever grateful!!”
