Mike Mazzeo of ESPN New York, had some quotes from newly signed Angel Pagan regarding the upcoming situation of whether he should play in right or centerfield.
“I talked to manager Terry Collins and he said he wanted to sit down with me and Carlos and decide [on who starts in center and who starts in right] before spring training is over and see what is gonna happen,” Pagan said. “But whatever does happen is for the best of the team, so I’m happy with that.”
“We’ve never touched base on positions because that’s a situation that we have to discuss in spring training, according to how he feels. I can tell you that right now he’s feeling pretty healthy. He’s close to 100 percent, but that’s the decision of the team whether I’m going to play center or he’s going to play center. I think I’m ready for any opportunity. I just want to get to spring training and play baseball. It doesn’t matter where that is.”
On Monday, the Mets and Angel Pagan avoided arbitration and agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract for the 2011 season.
Pagan had requested $4.2 million, with the club countering at $3.0625 million. He made $1,662,500 in 2010.
“For the first time in my career I have a spot on the team,” Pagan said in a statement released by the team. “But I’m not taking anything for granted. I can’t wait for spring training to start. I think we’ll be better than people are predicting.”
Here is a short interview Angel Pagan did for MMO back when we all expected him to be the leftfielder, obviously before Jason Bay came along.
It’s great to have a player like Angel who only cares about doing what is best for the team. He doesn’t care where you put him, all he wants to do is play. You gotta love that. Mets fans are more up in arms over where Pagan should play than Pagan himself.
