KevinStockerIsGod

I just don't really see a potential fit anywhere other than Schoop, in terms of need and cost. Not saying it would have been a win for either side, but I would assume that was the target. Obviously it didn't happen, but it sounds like something was far enough down the road that his agent was told.

After looking at their roster, Schoop did make the most sense.

Jeff Fletcher ‏@JeffFletcherOCR · 21m21 minutes ago Angels Hector Santiago said his agent told him this winter he was on the verge of being traded go the Orioles. I wonder who they may have been targeting?

What do you expect him to say? I will say that it's clear Eppler was trying to bring in high contact guys, which I hope means getting back to the aggressive style of baseball, putting the ball in play, running. Don't wait for a home run to bail us out.

I'd rather Pujols not rush it and get hurt again. My hope is that his foot healed up means a little more BA production, however it's clear that his power is still there from his 40 HR campaign last year, even with a bum foot.

Wait...so Towers offered us Eaton and Skaggs for Trumbo as his opening offer? I understand we needed cost controlled pitching at the time especially with the outfield full, but I would have much rather had Skaggs and Eaton. Eaton signed a 5 year/23 million extension and has provided great defense and a .284/.355/.762 career slash. Still obviously a great trade and Santiago has been good for us, but that would have locked up our outfield for years.

Assuming Cespedes goes to Nats, what about a Wilson for Werth trade? Money is about the same, Nats will need to clear a space for Cespedes, both guys in last year of deals.

It's clear Gordon wanted to return to KC. For a team that rarely can keep FAs, good for their fans.

I don't understand why the Dodgers just didn't take Frazier. My only thought is maybe they wanted prospects because they are trying to put a big package together for Jose Fernandez.

I liked it b/c it's rare to get an opportunity to trade for this type of talent. Setting aside what we gave up for a second, the Angels now employ the best all around player in baseball (Trout) and the best defensive player in baseball (Simmons), which is pretty special. It's hard to judge the trade without seeing what Newcomb/Ellis do and what else we do this offseason, where those guys could potentially have been moved for a hole on the 2016 roster. But for years we hoarded our prospects, and some became good players, like Aybar, Kendrick, and Weaver. Trout wasn't a prospect for very long, and that talent doesn't come around often, we won the lottery on that one. But for every good or even decent player you develop, there are even more Brandon Wood types. When you trade away top prospect talent, it should be for controllable players, with a known floor and potential upside for a higher ceiling. That's what Simmons is, you know what you're getting right now, you know how much it will cost in terms of dollars, for 5 years, and he's only 26 with room to potentially upgrade on the offensive side. Newcomb right now is a lottery ticket, and I hope he is successful, but you're trading a hopeful great/good player for the best defensive player in baseball that should provide at least similar offense to Aybar.

Clearly, Simmons is the better defensive SS, but Aybar is one of the more dependable SS in the league. Yes, this move would be a big defensive upgrade, it would be an upgrade defensively for any team.

I would assume a deal for Simmons would include one of the Braves bigger contracts that they want to get rid of. This scenario helps us somewhat since we don't have the prospect depth that other teams could offer. The Angels interest certainly makes sense considering we have no one at SS after Aybar this year and Baldoquin may need to play 2nd in the majors, assuming he gets there. Getting Simmons guarantees a long term shortstop on a reasonable deal with guaranteed defense and whatever offense he can provide. Simmons hit .265 AVG with a .321 OBP, and 29 extra base hits. Aybar hit .270 AVG with a .301 OBP, and 34 extra base hits. So based on last year's numbers, the offensive difference is marginal at best, with Simmons having the better OBP. Aybar defense is still great, but I think the thing to weigh here is our lack of options after next season and getting a SS in Free Agency is now an expensive endeavor.

I love that Aybar was given a banner, he's been a great player for this team and I hope they keep him for longer than his 2 remaining years. Street is an interesting choice, as he is entering a walk year. I would assume they are close to an extension, but maybe just a coincidence. Understand removing Hamilton, but they also removed Wilson, which is interesting.

Alden Gonzalez ‏@Alden_Gonzalez 3m3 minutes ago Sources: #Angels close to acquiring 24-year-old #Braves 3B Kyle Kubitza. Alden Gonzalez ‏@Alden_Gonzalez 2m2 minutes ago #Angels will get Kubitza without trading anyone from their Major League club, per source. Alden Gonzalez ‏@Alden_Gonzalez 57s58 seconds ago Kubitza, a LHH, batted .295/.405/.470 in Double-A this past season. Eight homers, 55 RBIs, 21 steals. On track to be ready by 2016. #Angels

If signing Scherzer got the Angels a WS ring this year, Weaver would not care what he gets paid. It's clear Weaver wants to win and taking the deal he did proved he wanted to help the Angels by sacrificing his own money so they could bring in others.

Pedro Moura ‏@pedromoura 15s15 seconds ago Matt Joyce, Angels' new DH, has posted a great 130 wRC+ against RHP over the last 5 seasons, the same mark as Sandoval, Beltran, Chris Davis

I think this Joyce is platoon at DH and backup outfielder. Left handed power bat.

To a value context... Buster Olney ‏@Buster_ESPN 2m2 minutes ago The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a one-year, $10 million deal with left-hander Brett Anderson, with $4m in possible incentives. Brett Anderson, a one time potential ace for the A's, has pitched 35, 44.2, and 43.1 innings pitched the last 3 seasons, and he is getting a $10mil deal up to $14mil w/ incentives. As a reminder, Anderson is a starter not a reliever.

For whatever its worth, Fletcher updated this story with a new headline: Jeff Fletcher @JeffFletcherOCR · 4h 4 hours ago #Angels' Dipoto says he's satisfied, but he might not be finished http://m.ocregister.com/articles/dipoto-644993-angels-players.html …

I remember seeing a Mike Trout for Carlos Pena and Aramis Ramirez rumor from 2011 while both were on the Cubs. It's a damn shame we didn't "go for it" then and pull the plug on an unproven prospect.

I bet there is another move coming in some fashion, to help the offense...not exactly sure what is or the fit.

I don't think we'd be doing anyone a favor, we'd have all the leverage. We wouldn't have to absorb the full cost if we wanted him, he could threaten to retire...unless the Marlins knew he'd retire and just took him to help the dodgers clear payroll.

All the national writers and local writers say Haren will only play for Dodgers or Angels. Are the Dodgers forcing him to retire, is he getting flipped to LAA, or has he agreed to go to Miami?

Dipoto's plan is finally coming to form, rebuilding the farm system, bring in a lot of depth hoping a couple work, and make trades to fill holes, with FA to supplant as required. However, if Arte feels the need to reach for a high priced FA, and Dipoto can continue the plan to build the team, I don't see a real issue with that. If Moreno decided to throw money at a big FA and cap the budget so Dipoto couldn't get the needed depth to win, that would be a problem. As long as both can happen, that would work.

Carpino's quotes kind of go against what Dipoto has been preaching. Very interesting timing.