"Garret Anderson's name is written all over the Angels' club records. But it might have been written on their lineup card for the last time. The Angels announced Tuesday they would not exercise the club option for 2009 in Anderson's contract, paying him a $3 million buyout rather than a $14 million salary next season. The longest-tenured Angel in franchise history with 2,013 games over 14 seasons will be eligible to file for free agency for the first time in his career the day after the conclusion of the World Series. At the same time, the Angels exercised the club options for 2009 on outfielder Vladimir Guerrero and right-hander John Lackey. Anderson could still re-sign with the Angels at a reduced salary, something the team has "not closed the door" on, according to GM Tony Reagins. But manager Mike Scioscia said it was "impossible" to say what role (if any) there might be for Anderson with the Angels in 2009 -or who will start in left field on Opening Day. Source: Daily News
