Free agency leaves '10 lineup uncertain

Figgins, Abreu, Lackey, Guerrero can all entertain offers

Lyle Spencer / MLB.com

ANAHEIM -- Rarely, if ever, have the Angels entered an offseason with so many critical personnel matters on the table.

Decisions surround all seven of their prospective free-agent cases, and until those are resolved, it will be difficult to move on to other issues.

Eligible to entertain bids are the dynamic duo atop the batting order, the tower of power atop the rotation and the man many consider the greatest offensive performer in franchise history.

Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu, John Lackey and Vladimir Guerrero form that formidable quartet. Nobody outside the Angels' tight inner circle, including the athletes themselves at this point, can offer anything more than speculation as where they'll be employed when camps open next spring.

Joining the big four on the open market are Darren Oliver and Robb Quinlan, respected veterans who have brought stability and versatility to manager Mike Scioscia's outfit.

The seventh free-agent-to-be is Kelvim Escobar, who has been idle for most of the past two seasons with shoulder issues and is hoping to show he can regain his form as a frontline starter.

In terms of payroll, a significant budgeting consideration is presented by eight arbitration-eligible players, each of whom figures to draw a raise. That class includes starters Jered Weaver and Joe Saunders; catchers Jeff Mathis and Mike Napoli; infielders Erick Aybar, Howard Kendrick and Maicer Izturis; and outfielder Reggie Willits.

Last winter, the Angels put virtually their entire focus on re-signing first baseman Mark Teixeira, who eventually opted for a Yankees offer of eight years and $180 million. They went after less expensive pieces and reaped tremendous dividends from Abreu, closer Brian Fuentes and outfielder Juan Rivera.

The emergence of Kendry Morales as a slugging first baseman was a windfall, helping the club establish a franchise record for runs scored in a season, and he played better defense than anyone anticipated.