Additions of Maybin, Revere give Angels speed, defense

MESA, Ariz. (AP) Cameron Maybin can't figure out why teams keep trading him.

An energetic fan favorite wherever he goes, Maybin has unpacked his well-traveled bags and will play left field this season for the Los Angeles Angels.

''It's a great question,'' said Maybin, who has played for - in order - Detroit, Florida, San Diego, Atlanta, back to Detroit, and now the Angels. ''The fans seem to take to me well wherever I go.

''You never hear a bad thing, but you still end up (going) from team to team,'' Maybin said.

The acquisitions of Maybin and another fleet-footed veteran outfielder, Ben Revere, will give the Angels defense and speed. That should help them run more aggressively.

In addition, the Angels' expected sharp defense should ''make the pitchers comfortable so they're not scared to throw a pitch or be afraid to miss a pitch,'' Revere said.

Maybin will be the primary left fielder, manager Mike Scioscia said. He adds to an explosive outfield that already includes Mike Trout in center and Kole Calhoun in right.

''Cam is a guy who brings a lot,'' Scioscia said. ''He's well-rounded. He's going to bring a great defensive presence to our team. He's going to be good in the batter's box, and he's going to be really good on the bases.''

Maybin has stolen as many as 40 bases in a season, while Revere has stolen 30-plus four times.

Revere, who turns 29 on May 3, is coming off a subpar season in Washington, where he was limited by an oblique injury and hit a quiet .217. But he hit .294 or better in his previous six seasons.

''It's definitely something terrible to overcome,'' Revere said. ''You need a lot of rest. Maybe I came back too soon. My swing was way off. I didn't feel the same. I took the proper break I needed in the offseason. I'm 100 percent healthy. I'm ready to go.''

Revere said he has great respect for Maybin. ''He's a really good player. He's got great power, great speed. He can throw the ball. He's got the tools to do anything,'' he said.

Maybin, who turns 30 on April 4, hit a career-best .315 last season with the Tigers despite getting a late start to his season because of a wrist injury. But his calling cards are defense and energy.

''I get on base, I score a lot of runs,'' he said. ''We have some really great athletes. You add another athlete; it's fun and exciting to see athletes on the field. I think my energy speaks for itself. I enjoy playing the game with a passion. It's the only way I know how to play.''

As for the vexing question of why he always seems to be on the move, Maybin listened to a suggestion that perhaps his non-monstrous salary makes him easy to deal.

''I think it's part of the business, having that salary where people don't mind making a deal. I'm just thankful that the Angels have seen something in me to bring me in,'' he said. ''I'm just blessed to have an opportunity to play. Everybody who's had me knows I give it my all. I leave everything out there every day.''

NOTES: Matt Shoemaker threw to live hitters for the first time since suffering a serious head injury when he was struck by a line drive on Sept. 4 in Oakland. ''I felt great. It's really exciting. Good to do it.''