The Good News is That Arbitration is Nearing the End - Jeff Mathis and the Angels

Mike DiGiovanna reported this morning on the Los Angeles Times Sports Blog that Jeff Mathis is in Tampa today for his hearing with the Angels. Mathis, who received $450,000 for his services last year, is seeking $1,300,000. The Angels offered $700,000. Those figures create a midpoint at $1,000,000. Mathis is in the three-four year service group, and his career batting average is right at the Mendoza line (.200). If you want a good explanation of the Mendoza Line, see Paul Dickson, The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, 540-541 (Third ed., 2009). Mathis split time last year with Mike Napoli, who played in 114 games to 84 for Mathis.

In his blog posting, DiGiovanna also reports that Erick Aybar, the other Angels’ player who has not yet settled his case, is expected to avoid a hearing and reach an agreement. Aybar is also in the three-four year service group.