 However, the Angels' playoff run quickly ended, as they were swept by the Boston Red Sox in the American League Division Series, just as they were in 2004
During the offseason, the Angels released Adam Kennedy and Darin Erstad, two of the few players remaining from their 2002 World Series championship team, forcing the Angels to rely on their rookies and younger veterans for the early part of the season.In November, they signed former Texas Rangers center fielder Gary Matthews, Jr. to a 5-year contract worth $50 million.Outfielder Juan Rivera broke a leg playing winter baseball in the Venezuelan winter league, leading the Angels to sign free agent Shea Hillenbrand.