Angels, Erick Aybar near deal

[DaaBoTownSox]

The Los Angeles Angels are close to agreement on a multiyear contract extension with shortstop Erick Aybar, a baseball source told ESPN.com.

The deal is expected to be announced Thursday, when Aybar is scheduled to receive his 2011 American League Gold Glove award before the Angels' game against Oakland in Anaheim.

Aybar's contract will be worth a guaranteed $35 million over four years, paying him an average annual salary of $8.5 million, sources told Enrique Rojas of ESPNdeportesLosAngeles.com.

Aybar, 28, is a .274 hitter in parts of seven seasons with the Angels. He's batting .171 (7 for 41) through the team's first 10 games this season.

Aybar would have been eligible for free agency this offseason.

Once the Angels announce Aybar's deal, they officially will have locked up their double-play combination for the long-term -- second baseman Howie Kendrick agreed to a four-year, $33.5 million contract in January.

http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/mlb/s...ar-source-says

[DaaBoTownSox]

Via Jerry Crasnick on twitter:

Erick Aybar deal with #angels is for 4 years and $35 million guaranteed

[EnterSandman]

Pretty good deal for him, $35m guaranteed. He's an above-average shortstop with the bat and he's fast.