"[1] On November 5, 2009, the first day eligible players could file for free agency, the Angels signed Bobby Abreu to a two-year deal, with a club option for 2012.

[3] A few days later, owner Arte Moreno added he wanted to retain both Lackey and Figgins, but with limited payroll options, they would have to choose just one of the two stars.

"[4] After signing Abreu, Los Angeles Times reporter Mike DiGiovanna estimated that GM Tony Reagins had roughly $12 million to spend to keep payroll at the same level as the previous year.

"[5] The Angels offered arbitration to both Lackey and Figgins on December 2, but not to 39-year-old Darren Oliver, who had just come off a surprisingly good season, enough to earn him an Elias Sports Bureau ranking as a Type A Free Agent.

Sports Illustrated's Cliff Corcoran said the Mariners "might have actually done the Angels a favor" by providing an opening for prospect Brandon Wood to assume third base and free up money to re-sign ace starter John Lackey.

Although the Angels were considered a front-runner to sign power hitting left fielder Jason Bay, manager Mike Scioscia told the media he would prefer to make a long-term investment in pitching instead of his offense.

[12] Later, Moreno told the Los Angeles Times that the decision not to bid higher for Figgins and Lackey wasn't based on money 'but on age and contract length, concerns about their long-term health and the availability of cheaper but attractive alternatives.

On December 12, the Angels announced they would not offer reliever José Arredondo a contract after learning he would undergo elbow reconstruction and be unavailable in the 2010 season.