nikkachez

He doesn't get on base, but Schoop could've been a nice add. He's not great defensively, but the defensive metrics favor him over Giavotella, he had a .788 OPS last year and swatted 15 homeruns in 86 games, and he's not arbitration eligible until next year. Plus, we'd have a Dutch middle infield, that would be pretty sweet.

Wow, Ward with the most offensive potential? That's either very bad, or very good.

Agreed (for once). I think the Cubs getting Heyward, Braves fleecing the Dbacks for their farm system, or the Tigers getting Zimmermann and Upton would be at the top.

Seriously? I'll take Simmons, alone, over Byung-Ho Park, Murphy, and Abad (the Twins). Napoli, Davis, Thatcher, Hunter, Gorzelanny, Detwiler (the Indians). Or Lewis, Ruggiano, Wilhelmsen, and Davis (the Rangers). I'd even say Simmons and Escobar plus the overall depth added (Pennington, Soto, Ortega, and Choi) is better than Chapman, Castro, and Hicks (the Yankees), and arguably better than Happ, Estrada, Chavez, Storen, and Floyd (the Jays). While I agree that the offseason sucked, there's a difference between not spending like crazy/being conservative and actually having a poor offseason. I like a majority of the moves Eppler's made, a nice left fielder would've just really been the cherry on top.

Simmons was an awesome move, think he'll work wonders for the pitching staff (especially Richards, Wilson, if he's healthy, and Shoemaker). Really hope they do something to improve the defense at second base if Giavotella can't replicate last years heroic numbers in late game/clutch situations. If they can't score a ton of runs, might as well focus on run prevention.

Here's what I'm hoping for. Gallardo finalizes deal with Baltimore, Tampa Bay decides to go ham and lose their pick to sign Desmond, Cleveland signs Fowler to a cushion contract.

That'd be buying reeeeally low

I'd only trade Santiago or Wilson for him.

And besides, he puts the team past the tax threshold, so it's not happening.

Shit I already need a drink.

Only if Upton happens first.

Sign Upton or Cespedes (it's a wash to me at this point), if Arte is really that determined to keep costs at a minimum, trade Hector or CJ for some prospects/cheap, young players to fill out the roster (another bullpen arm would be nice). Upton or Cespedes in left, another nice arm in the pen, and a prospect or two in Salt Lake to make the team even deeper.

Probably not.

Give me Denard Span, don't blow over the threshold, keep the draft pick, slide Escobar down to the #2 spot, give Trout two guys to get on base in front of him. I don't think Upton/Cespedes/Gordon is happening. I'd be happy with Span.

I'm just saying, man. If you're going to post trade suggestions, be prepared for criticism. Especially if they're outlandish/terrible.

Haha no, other teams aren't dumb, you don't give up two years of Santiago for five of Inciarte when he's on a rebuilding team like the Braves, they gave up Miller for a package of him, the Cubs aren't going to give up Soler for Santiago. Put the pipe down.

I think you're overvaluing Santiago quite a bit. Like I don't get why Cleveland would give up Zimmer for another SP when they need bats. Myers, Soler, Inciarte, etc. all have way more value than Santiago. I still like the idea of Santiago (and maybe another piece) for Ethier and cash.

Even with a healthy Pujols, that lineup is lacking. Hell, Denard Span would be a godsend at this point.

Seems like the trade market is holding up the Free Agent market. Some more pieces might move before players sign. Although I'm anticipating a "Alex Gordon to the Angels" headline any day now.

Soto, Pennington, Gentry, Ortega, Navarro, Choi, and Cunningham all fighting for bench spots. Not to mention speedster Quintin Berry. Good to have all that competition. I'm really hoping they turn their focus on adding pitching depth after this. Gott's gone, as is Ramos. Sure Guerra was added in the Rule V, but they could really stand to use at least one bullpen addition with some minor deals sprinkled in. Maybe a SP or two signed, I have a feeling at least one starter is going to get traded for another bat.

Depends on how much Arte is really willing to spend. I would take Phillips at second in a heartbeat, but if Arte's one big move is in the the outfield, I wouldn't complain. Upton and Phillips would be dope. Then you can trade CJ an/or Hector for salary relief.

He might jump up in the rankings because of his current age.

I agree but I think they've also missed out on some pieces that would've really helped (pen arms notably). Man I really hope they add pen help (Blevins re-signed with the Mets today, was hoping the Angels would look into a potential deal).

This could be perfect. St. Louis said they weren't going to make any "dynamic" moves and now SanFran blew the wad on another SP. Takes two legitimate threats away in the OF race. Now sign one, Eppler!

Angels need immediate pen help, and a fair number of options have already been signed, or traded. They need to act fast.