Jeff Mathis for Brad Mills

posted 12/3/11 10:15 AM PST
by Jason Martinez

It looks like Jeff Mathis might not be non-tendered after all. The Angels, who recently acquired a starting catcher in Chris Iannetta, would have been very unlikely to tender Mathis a contract had they been unable to find a trade partner. The Blue Jays, who recently lost backup catcher Jose Molina to the Rays in free agency, traded lefty starter Brad Mills to the Angels for Mathis, who becomes the new backup behind J.P. Arencibia. Here's a breakdown of how each roster is affected by the trade.

Los Angeles Angels
Mathis' departure opens the door for Bobby Wilson to backup Iannetta and 23 year-old Hank Conger to begin the season in the minors. It makes sense. The 28 year-old Wilson, who is out of options, is highly-regarded by the organization and Conger can benefit from regular playing time. If Iannetta voids his 2013 club option - he has that right after being traded - and the Angels fail to sign him to a contract extension, Conger could be in line for the starting job next season. He'll have to continue improving defensively, however, before he's the regular catcher on a team managed by Mike Scioscia.

Mills will compete for a rotation spot in Spring Training but he'll give the Angels some much-needed depth even if he begins the season in the minors. The 26 year-old has had success in the minors but it has yet to carry over to the big leagues. A finesse lefty with little margin for error, Mills has allowed 10 HR and walked 31 batters in 48.1 big league innings with Toronto.

Toronto Blue Jays
It may be a steep price to pay for a backup without much offensive ability, but the estimated $2 million salary that Mathis is likely to be rewarded in arbitration could pay off if he can help a young Blue Jays pitching staff take another step forward in 2012. Known for a strong ability to handle pitching staffs, Mathis can also serve as a mentor for the 25 year-old Arencibia, who was behind the plate for 119 games during his rookie season in 2011. The 28 year-old Mathis, who has a career .558 OPS in 426 big league games, appears to be a downgrade from Molina, who is also a well-regarded defender but had a career-best .757 OPS last season.