Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Welcome back for part 3 of the ongoing look into the MLB trade season. Today we'll take a look into the hotly contested AL West division. Like the rest of the AL, there are 3 teams vying for the lead in the AL West.
1. Anaheim Angels - Yes, I know that's is not their official name, but as I have mentioned many times before, there is only one team playing in LA. I don't recognize the Angels purported attempts to steal Dodgers fans. They are currently tied atop the West with the Texas Rangers, but will go in alphabetical order for this one.
Needs - The Angels are stacked when it comes to OF depth and DH's. Juan Rivera has been a huge help to the depth of that outfield, and Bobby Abreu has been one of the biggest free agent steals. What they do need is middle infield depth, a complimentary bat at 1B, and another starting pitcher or two. They've had trouble with injuries in the starting rotation all year. Obviously the tragedy of Nick Aadenhart doesn't help either.
Potential Targets - I've heard several Angels rumors that include Dan Haren. I'd be surprised, if the Diamondbacks moved Haren, especially with the uncertainty of Brandon Webb. Don't be surprised is they Angels put in a call to the Padres for Jake Peavy. They have not have the prospects in the minors to get him, but do have major league ready talent. It's not a question in my mind if Aubrey Huff gets traded, it's where. The Angels would be a good fit because he can play 1st and 3rd base.
Trade Strengths - The Halos would love to move Gary Matthews Jr. There are a lot of contending teams in need of another OF, so there should be a fit there. The big question is his contract though. It would seem the Angels are also open to moving Howie Kendrick, who is languishing at AAA right now.
2. Texas Rangers - It's great to see them back in the race, but can the team, and pitching staff, withstand the heat and make a complete run for the playoffs? Time will tell, but it's good news that Josh Hamilton is on his way back. If he's healthy, and can return to form, its like making a trade for an all star.
Needs - Starting pitching, starting pitching & starting pitching. The Rangers can never have enough. After Kevin Millwood, who was robbed of an All Start spot, the Rangers don't have a reliable starting pitcher. Yes, I know Vincente Padilla is their #2, but he's not a reliable starting pitcher. They have some good, young arms in Derrick Holland, Matt Harrison & Scott Feldman, but they are all unproven.
Potential Targets - They have to be in the discussion for every available starting pitcher. The pitcher have them target is Erik Bedard, but there's no way the Mariners deal him within the division. John Heyman, of Sports Illustrated, has mentioned the Rangers interest in Chien-Meng Wang. On paper that makes perfect sense. A change of location might do him well, and Wang is a sinker ball pitcher that keeps the ball on the ground. What's even more important is the Rangers financial health. Owner Tom Hicks need to borrow millions from the MLB, so they may not even be able to take on additional payroll.
Trade Strengths - The Rangers have the best rated farm system in the major leagues. What they will not do is trade any of their young pitching, and I don't blame them for that. What they should do is move one of their young catchers. Jarrod Saltalamachia, Max Ramirex and Taylor Teagarden are all highly rated young backstops. I've long been a advocate of the Red Sox trading Clay Bucholtz to the Rangers for Teagarden, but I don't believe that will happen.
3. Seattle Mariners - The Mariners are only 3.5 games out of the division lead right now, and seem primed to make a move. Ichiro would love to win, but can they go far in the playoffs?
Needs - With Adrian Beltre out for a while, they desperately need a 3rd baseman. Like everyone else, they also need starting pitching. If Erik Bedard could ever stay healthy, he's one heck of a pitcher. He's also a financial burden they'd like to get rid of. They could also use a left fielder.
Potential Targets - Mariners rumors have been flying everywhere. They're rumored to be in pursuit of Kevin Kouzminoff. That's a perfect fit there. Beltre is a free agent after this season, so you can let him walk, and have a built in replacement. Aubrey Huff is also rumored to be a target of the Mariners. He's another guy who would fit well. According to foxsports.com the Mariners are also talking to the Marlins about Jeremy Hermida. I've long been a Hermida fan, and he could easily slide into the LF spot. Speaking of more Mariners 3B trade talk, Ty Wigginton and Garrett Atkins are also rumors out on the blogosphere.
Trade Strengths - Hard throwing Mark Lowe's name is already out there in rumors. They have a solid bullpen and could lose an arm and not affected by it. They also like the progress of Josh Fields, and could move him into the big league bullpen. Would they make a rash decision and trade young Wladimer Ballentein? After the Adam Jones fiasco, I doubt it. They would also love to deal Erik Bedard, but he's currently on the DL.
(Stay tuned tomorrow for the National League East)
No comments:
Post a Comment