Offseason trading partner - LA Angels

[LouisEly]

The Angels have needs for two players the Brewers are likely trying to move.

 

The Angels used 15 different starting pitchers last year trying to replace Richards, Tropeano, and Heaney who all went down with elbow injuries. Richards is trying to rehab through it w/stem cell treatment instead of TJ, but Tropeano and Heaney both went the TJ route and will likely miss most or all of 2017. Weaver and Wilson are FAs almost guaranteed not to be back, Chacin is a FA, and the Lincecum and Olberholtzer experiments were disasters. They could use a SP on a short-term deal to hold them over until Tropeano and Heaney return in 2018. Matt Garza would make sense, and since Garza is from CA and lives there I think he would welcome being closer to his family and do well there.

 

The Angels also had poor performance from 2B and are very RH dominant. They could see value in Gennett who is LH and fairly cheap, allowing them to spend a bit in FA if they choose and still be under the luxury tax threshold.

 

I don't think they have the prospects to acquire Braun despite having a need in LF.

 

I don't know about the return, it would likely be similar to the Lind deal in that it is a package of lower level guys such as Jaime Barria, Julio Garcia, Jose Suarez, Nonie Williams, etc., as the Angels have not much in the upper levels.

[MadThinker88]

I like your thoughts, finding a place to send Scooter.

But before trying to send Garza west, I think we should shop him east,

 

First, I have a hunch that CC Sabathia will be signed by the Angels.

That will deepen the rotation needs for the Yankees.

 

I would propose Garza and rebound candidate Jorge Lopez to the Yankees for 2 of the Tribe prospects they got for Miller: Sheffield and JP Feyerieisen (from UW Stevens Point).

 

The Yankees might decline thinking they are not getting enough (if so, I would explore what more is needed) but if they accept, it deepens the pitching pool for 2018 & beyond and it opens 2 more 40 man spots for DS to use.

 

Sheffield should start 2017 in AA and while JP likely starts off in AAA he spent a chunk of time in AAA already so he might be able to crack the bullpen out of spring training (or shortly thereafter)

[1992casey]

First, I have a hunch that CC Sabathia will be signed by the Angels.

 

It appears that CC's 2017 option vested…

 

Because his left shoulder remained healthy all year, Sabathia's $25 million option for 2017 vested, leaving him with one year left on his current contract.

[MadThinker88]

Thanks for noting that.

 

Would still try to deal Garza east. The Yankees farm system is MUCH DEEPER than the Angels system..

[jerichoholicninja]

I would propose Garza and rebound candidate Jorge Lopez to the Yankees for 2 of the Tribe prospects they got for Miller: Sheffield and JP Feyerieisen (from UW Stevens Point).

 

I don't see any way this happens. Even if we pay all of Garza's salary.

[Austin Tatious]

I agree, I think the Louis Ely proposal is more plausible. I doubt you can get Sheffield out of the Yankees. I'd like to see it, though.

[brewmann04]

I sure some team will call on scooter

[MNBrew]

I don't think you give up on Jorge Lopez just yet. The guy's head got screwed with by Colorado Springs (the location, not the team). He was our top pitching prospect a year ago -- that doesn't mean everything, but I still think it counts for something.

 

I'd at least prefer to see Lopez reestablish some of his value rather than be a sell-low throw-in.

[adambr2]

I don't think you give up on Jorge Lopez just yet. The guy's head got screwed with by Colorado Springs (the location, not the team). He was our top pitching prospect a year ago -- that doesn't mean everything, but I still think it counts for something.

 

I'd at least prefer to see Lopez reestablish some of his value rather than be a sell-low throw-in.

 

If you're getting Sheffield for Garza and Lopez, that's plenty of value for Lopez. Garza alone surely isn't bringing in a top 100 prospect.

[JohnBriggs12]

Angels have the worst system in baseball and not much at the major league level that would interest the Brewers. Sure they are one of the few teams with a real need at 2B and are RH dominant but so are the Brewers. They had to deal a competent major league starter in Santiago along with a B or C level bullpen arm to get Nolasco and former top prospect Alex Meyer from the Twins. They just didn't have the prospects to give Minnesota.

[MKE81]

Angels have the worst system in baseball and not much at the major league level that would interest the Brewers. Sure they are one of the few teams with a real need at 2B and are RH dominant but so are the Brewers. They had to deal a competent major league starter in Santiago along with a B or C level bullpen arm to get Nolasco and former top prospect Alex Meyer from the Twins. They just didn't have the prospects to give Minnesota.

What exactly do you think Scooter will bring back in return? Even the worst system's in baseball have quality prospects, they just don't have depth of quality but every team has good upside players that aren't ranked in the Top 30 but the general public doesn't pay attention to them. Scooter isn't bringing back a high ranked prospect. Missaki, Peralta weren't even Top 30 in the Mariners system and now Peralta could very well crack the Top 20 of arguably the #1 system and he was actually rated behind Missaki. Scooter is a great example of a player to trade that can add low level prospects while improving our MLB team (Villar slides there - switch hitter who's much better offensively and will be a defensive upgrade as well). Scooter's an adequate starter/good platoon 2b who's a lefty with a few years of control left. He can contribute to a team looking for that. The Brewers don't need him and it's the perfect time to trade him.

[JosephC]

I'm assuming the Angels currently see Jefry Marte as their third baseman which could mean Kaleb Cowart doesn't figure into their future plans. He's been brutal with the bat as a major league player but has slashed .295/.360/.465/.825 in AAA. He's only 24 so there is more than enough time for him to get on track in the big leagues. If the Angels have soured on him he could be a really good buy low candidate.