TORII TAGS UP WITH ANGELS IN 5-YEAR, $80 MILLION DEAL: Well, so much for the South Side.

The ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER reports that Torii Hunter has signed a 5-year, $80 million deal to suit up for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, California, USA, North America, Western Hemisphere, Earth, Solar System, Milk Way Galaxy.After being wooed by the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers, the former Minnesota Twin chose to head west to SoCal, a decision that he himself is surprised with:

“I didn’t think they needed a center fielder like me. They shocked me.”

It can’t be too shocking, considering Gary Matthews Jr., the current high-priced Angels center fielder, is in trouble with MLB for possible HGH use. So, roster space is available.

But Torii is very thankful for his new-found home: “They shocked the world. I love these guys.”

IF GARY MATTHEWS, JR.’S HEAD FITS, YOU MUST ACQUIT: Great news for Angels fans today, since Gary Matthews, Jr., who has been implicated in a recent federal investigation into an HGH and steroid distribution ring, has hired O.J. Simpson murder trial attorney Robert Shapiro:

GARY MATTHEWS, JR. NAMED IN STEROID BUST REPORT: WithLeather and SteroidNation point us to a report in the ALBANY TIMES-UNION (via SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER) which uncovers a major steroid raid that may implicate Gary Matthews, Jr. (ESPN.com doesn’t mention Matthews).