Got a Molina, leave a Molina; need a Molina, take a Molina 

Posted 5:01 PM by Sean
The Angels have exercised their option on Bengie Molina for the 2005 season, and have declined their option on Ramon Ortiz. Neither of these is especially surprising. Molina will make $3 million in 2005, and, though his performance in 2004 was cause for concerned, upgrading to a more reliable backstop through free agency would have cost quite a bit more than the Angels were prepared to pay at that position. As it stands, they've got Jose available to replace Bengie if need be - not exactly a terrific offensive force, but excellent behind the plate.

So far, the Angels are making all the right moves if they're trying to situate themselves so as to pick up a top-tier free agent or two.