Angels release pitcher Joe Blanton, swallow his $8.5-million contract

Joe Blanton, a right-hander who went 2-14 for the Angels last season, had a dismal spring training. GM Jerry Dipoto takes blame for signing him to a two-year deal in 2013.PHOENIX — Angels fans won't have Joe Blanton to kick around anymore. The Angels released the struggling and oft-criticized right-hander on Wednesday and ate the remaining $8.5 million on his contract, a move that was probably more difficult for General Manager Jerry Dipoto to digest than Blanton.