Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Buyers
Why: The Angels are within striking distance of the Rangers at five games back. More importantly, they have just a half-game lead on Boston and Tampa Bay for the wild card and all but three teams are within four games.
Who do they need: The Angels now have a very deep lineup. Mike Trout has solved the problems in the outfielder. Their shallowest position is either catcher (John Hester, Chris Iannetta) or third base (Alberto Callaspo, Maicer Izturis). Third base is probably the priority as far as position players go.
The starting rotation is solid but has seen surprising struggles from Dan Haren (4.53 ERA) and Ervin Santana (5.12 ERA). Garrett Richards has been solid in the fifth starter's role but a 4.8 BB/9 rate suggests there could be trouble ahead.
Who can they deal: If the Angels deal one prospect, it could be first baseman C.J. Cron. Between Albert PUjols and Mark Trumbo, Cron is blocked for the foreseeable future. Baseball America ranked him the fifth-best prospect in their system and he has 12 home runs and 69 RBI this season as a 22-year-old in High-A.
Who is available: At third base, the best available may be Chase Headley from the Padres. Headley has hit eight homers and stolen 10 bases for San Diego so far and has an excellent .374 OBP. One wonders what would happen to his power potential if he is freed from PETCO Park -- six of his eight home runs have come on the road.
John Lannan from Washington and Bartolo Colon from Oakland are a few options for cheap starting pitching depth as well -- they likely wouldn't require a price of more than a lottery-ticket prospect or some cash.
Verdict: The Angels have been playing exceptionally well since Mike Trout came up and don't have many obvious holes. An upgrade at third base could be exactly what they need to keep their hot streak going and leave the rest of the AL Wild Card chasers in the dust.
Buy or sell: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Angels of Anaheim should be buyers in 2012.
By
Jack Moore
•
1 min read