Angels sign Joe Blanton and Sean Burnett To Bolster Pitching Staff

Looking to bolster a depleted rotation and a weak bullpen, the Los Angeles Angels signed free agent starter Joe Blanton and left-handed releiver Sean Burnett. The Blanton's deal will pay the the right-handed starter $15 million over two-years, while Burnett will receive $8 million over the same two seasons. Both pitchers also have an option for a third year and both must pass pending physicals.

Blanton started 20 games for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2012, finishing with a 8-7 record and a 4.59 ERA. The thirty-one year-old is 83-75 with a 4.37 ERA in nine major league seasons and will likely fill the #4 or #5 spot in the Halo rotation depending on if the club can sign one of the other higher-profile starters they are rumored to be chasing. Blanton's last contract was a 3-year/$24 million deal with Philadelphia.

The thirty year-old Burnett spent the last 4 seasons pitching for the Washington Nationals, compiling a 3.58 ERA in his 6-year career. Burnett has appeared in 212 games (176,1 IP) over the last 3 seasons, striking out 152 while walking 53 and posting a 144 ERA+.