December 19, 2008 Juan Rivera has agreed to a three-year deal worth $12.75 million to remain with the Angels, according to ESPN.
Our View:Rivera should tap his power potential in 2009 with Garret Anderson departing. The Angels must have faith in him as they did not ink any of the top free agent outfielders, such as Raul Ibanez.
December 18, 2008 Juan Rivera and the Angels are close to agreeing to a contract, according to Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports. The deal is likely for three years
Our View:Rivera's power bat will be needed if the Angels lose out on the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes. The club has also been in contact with the agents for Pat Burrell, Bobby Abreu and Adam Dunn to fill the power void in the middle of the lineup.
December 7, 2008 Outfielder Juan Rivera is on the Phillies' radar as they look for someone to take over for Pat Burrell, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Our View:Rivera has some pop, nailing 12 home runs in 256 at-bats with the Angels last year. Obviously, if he gets regular playing time, his fantasy value will rise. He will need to improve on his .246 average and .282 OBP.
November 23, 2008 Juan Rivera remains on the Mets' radar, according to NYBaseballDigest.com.
Our View:They would acquire him for the right price. If his asking price is too high, the Mets are believed to be content with employing Daniel Murphy and Fernando Tatis in left field.
November 14, 2008 Juan Rivera is believed to be among the Phillies' options to replace Pat Burrell in the outfield if he does not return, according to MLBblogs.com. Jerry Hairston Jr. and Rocco Baldelli are also possibilities.
Our View:Rivera would be a potential sleeper for 2009 if he landed in Philadelphia. He would get regular playing time as Burrell's replacement, and could tap his power potential while playing his home games at launching pad Citizens Bank Ballpark.
