Angels’ prospect shows the split dollars in split contract
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Angels pitcher Anthony Ortega today signed a ‘split contract’ -- one salary if you play in the major leagues, another if you play in the minor leagues.
How does that translate into dollars? If Ortega plays in Anaheim this year, he’ll make $400,000 --minimum wage in the majors. If he plays in the minors, he’ll make $32,000. That’s a typical contract for a prospect that has yet to play in the majors.
Ortega, 23, the Angels’ minor league pitcher of the year last season, went 9-7 with a 3.73 ERA in 22 starts at double-A Arkansas and 5-0 with a 2.52 ERA in six starts at triple-A Salt Lake. If the Angels do not add a veteran to fill out their rotation, Ortega is expected to compete with Nick Adenhart, Nick Green, Shane Loux and Dustin Moseley for the No. 5 spot.
John Lackey, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and Jered Weaver are set for the first four spots.
-- Bill Shaikin