I put "says report" in the headline because nothing is official yet. Some of the big reporters on Twitter are saying an agreement is close, but not yet in place. But Jerry Crasnick says an agreement is in place, between Erick Aybar and the Los Angeles Angels. Here, I'll prove it.

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

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) April 18, 2012

Just the other day, we were given this nugget:

The Angels would prefer to sign Aybar for something closer to the four-year, $33.5-million deal second baseman Howie Kendrick got in January. Aybar is believed to be looking for at least five years and $50 million.

Let's say for the sake of simplicity that both reports are true. The Angels wanted to give Aybar one thing. Aybar wanted something bigger. Aybar is getting what the Angels wanted to give him, without even really meeting in the middle. Those are some shrewd negotiating skills on Aybar's agent's part. Of course, what's more important than the money Aybar isn't getting is the money Aybar is getting, and he's getting a lot of money. Good for him. He and his family are going to be wealthy long after we're dead.

The expectation is that there will be official confirmation of an Aybar extension on Thursday. The 28-year-old shortstop was to become a free agent this coming offseason. He just won a Gold Glove in 2011, and he has a career 88 OPS+, which is okay. He has a 95 OPS+ since 2009, which is more okay. Aybar is presently a very good player with a broad assortment of skills, and one should also never underrate his .gif potential. Erick Aybar has tremendous .gif potential.

Erick Aybar: good player, fun player. Right kind of guy to sign to an extension.