Angels acquire Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta for Tyler Chatwood

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

The Angels, in an effort to inject on-base percentage into the lineup and boost their offense behind the plate, acquired veteran catcher Chris Iannetta from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for pitcher Tyler Chatwood, the team announced Wednesday.

In 112 games last season, in most of which he batted eighth, Iannetta hit .238 with a .370 on-base percentage, 14 home runs and 55 runs batted in. The 28-year-old struck out 89 times but drew 70 walks, and he would be a considerable offensive upgrade over Angels catcher Jeff Mathis, who hit .174 with a .225 on-base percentage, three homers and 22 RBIs last season.

Iannetta is signed for $3.55 million next season, and his contract includes a $5-million option for 2013. He is expendable because the Rockies are reportedly on the verge of signing free-agent catcher Ramon Hernandez to a two-year deal.

Chatwood had control problems last season, going 6-11 with a 4.75 earned-run average, 74 strikeouts and 71 walks in 142 innings, but with a 95-mph fastball and a big overhand curve, he has considerable upside.

With Iannetta assuming the starting role, the Angels are not expected to tender Mathis a contract.

ALSO:

Mitch Kupchak confident as Lakers prepare to go back to work

Could lame-duck coach tip the scales for UCLA against Ducks?

Helene Elliott: NBA can learn some things from the NHL

-- Mike DiGiovanna