Hubs

Colon. Cruz. Peralta. PED-roid-a. Kinsler. Ted Lilly. And Players I didn't hate, but wished they weren't on the Angels. Benji Gil. Shawn Wooten. Reggie Willits. Alberto Callaspo. Juan Rivera.

Tanaka, yes, Tender Williams as a backup if he doesn't sign. If you can't move Trumbo, Kendrick, or Iannetta for a starting pitcher, sign Arroyo NOT COLON. This approach takes the Angels over the CBT, but if they don't have to get a proven young controllable starter, I'm sure a number of teams would come calling on Kendrick and/or Iannetta for prospects.

Scotty, One quick thing. I take offense to your fantasy baseball comment. I'm not a GM and neither are you. You're not anymore of a baseball expert than I am, just because you have a blog. I usually agree with your posts, but on this I don't. And you don't need to call me out as if I'm a fantasy baseball geek. I've been posting on this forum for over 10 years. I'm a senior writer here, though it has been a while since I've written anything in blog form. Miguel Gonzalez is a controllable starting pitcher, not young at age 29. He has at least one more year of club control for 2014. After that he's going to get expensive during arbitration. His maximum return in trade is right now. I'm not proposing the Angels get Dylan Bundy and Manny Machado for Kendrick. I'm looking for a pitcher that they can pay the league minimum to and he fits the bill. The problem is, he's not enough, because of his age. Wright is a controllable starter and made a huge jump from 2012 to 2013 partly because the Orioles graduated a few guys, but partly because of a good season. If they got a lower tier prospect starter, that'd be fine too. I understand the prospect in regards to the Angels sending one back, but they are sending a Major League Experienced second baseman who is still in his prime. He's not being paid star money but $9 Million isn't a little bit. Other 2nd Baseman who have been traded in recent memory on the caliber of Kendrick have all brought decent return. The Orioles Payrolls in recent years have been between 67 and 93 million. They are projected to be at around $85-90 million, and it's possible they do ask for a prospect in return and also including a guy like Tommy Hunter or Darren O'Day so that they can fit Kendrick into their payroll. It might be CJ Cron, but other than Cron, the Angels do not have any major league quality players who will be ready in 2014 that also fit the Orioles needs. They need a 2nd baseman and they need a DH. I'd be hesitant to give up Cron and Kendrick. I'm not underestimating the market for pitching, you're underestimating the market for offense. You have to give to get, and in trading a reliable productive second baseman, you'd expect a decent return. He doesn't have the upside of some of the prospects, but you know what you are going to get. An everyday second baseman who can give you between 3.1 and 4.5 WAR over the last five years. Gonzalez was a 3.0 WAR pitcher in 2012, but regressed to a 2.0 WAR pitcher in 2013. He's not an ace. He's a 3/4. And that is a smart trade for both sides. Of course, the Orioles could decide to blow their budget and sign Robinson Cano away from the Yankees. They're my dark horse team for him.

I thought the Angels should non-tender Williams, but now I'm thinking they should keep him around as a fifth starter insurance, just in case they win the Tanaka bidding. That way they only need trade one player for a starter and don't need to go sign two. I'd only like to see one of Kendrick and/or Trumbo dealt this year, though I expect both to be dealt by the start of the 2015 season.

Scotty, Kendrick won't exceed it significantly but he could do it. Also, he almost did it last year. Going into the Texas series he had a .341 OBP and a .302 AVG. He went 3 for 18 in his final series with no walks. If he goes 6 for 18, or 5 for 17 with a walk, he hits the .340 OBP mark. On September 28th he hit two deep fly balls in Texas. Both were caught. A little extra on those two and they are out of the park. Then say Scioscia just doesn't play him in the final game and opts to give the start to Green. 5 for 14 means his average is up over .300 at .304 and his OBP is over .340. Aybar has done it once, when he hit .312. He'd have to hit that or close to it to get .340. But he had his worst year at the plate last year, right after one of his best. The guy can do it, but he have to get his walks up over 30 and his average over .300. In 2012, he had just 22 walks (why I don't want him near the top of the lineup), but if he'd hit say 4 more hits on the season and walked 8 more times, he'd have finished 2012 with a .302 average and a .346 OBP. Not that far off. I hope he comes close. Trumbo would have to hit like he did prior to August and September 2012 (when he pulled his rib cage muscle) he had a .307 average and a .359 OBP. That's not likely after last years struggles. Conger though has shown better plate discipline in the past years in the minors than he has in the majors. Hopefully he can be the .300 hitting catcher, although his first two years here in Anaheim don't show that. Still, I have faith that as he understands the rigors of the catching position defensively, his bat will come around. 2014 is only his age 26 season, though it seems he's older.

See my Hot Stove Trade of the Day from yesterday.

I don't think the Dodgers are going to be in on him. They have Kershaw, Greinke, Haren, Ryu, Billingsley, Beckett, Lee, Stripling, etc. They could bring Nolasco back who did well for them. Plus they have major pieces to trade in one of their four OF, plus Joc Pederson. They need a SS/3B, and could look to move an OF for yet another young starter. If it were me, I'd sign Nolasco for far less than what Tanaka will command, remembering that you still have to extend Kershaw and Hanley Ramirez after this year. I'd then move Kemp for Kyle Seager and a pitching prospect. It'd be better for them The Yankees though do need Tanaka or other starters. They too though need help offensively and need to bring back Cano. After committing to Brian McCann, do they have enough room under the CBT to sign Tanaka, another starter, and Cano? Doubtful. If they went after cheaper starters, they could make it work.

You're underselling Kendrick. He's better than most of the 2B in baseball offensively and his defense is underrated by the stats guys. Cano, Pedroia, Kinsler, Kipnis, Kendrick are the best five 2B in the AL. Zobrist doesn't count because he doesn't play 2B exclusively. I'd also say those five are the best 2B IN BASEBALL, now that Carpenter is moving to 3rd.

Forgot they had Doumit becuase he's not listed as a catcher on their roster.

Makes sense. Grant Green and Kendrick can both get to the high .330's if not over .340. Kendrick hit .335 OBP last year and had a .338 in 2011. Green has a minor league OBP over .350, with years at .370+ Calhoun is above .400 OBP in the minors. Hank Conger's minor league OBP is almost .360. He hasn't hit in the majors the way he hit in Salt Lake or previously in the minors, but he can hit. In AA he hit .294 with a .368 OBP and in SLC he hit .300 with a .385 OBP in 2010. In 2013 he had his best year at the plate in Anaheim, but I think he can hit .290 with that .340 OBP. So that would be Trout (over .400), Calhoun (.380+) Pujols (.360+), Hamilton, (.340+), Freese (.340+), Conger (.340), Green/Kendrick (.340) who all could be over .340. And left is Aybar (who has one year over .350, two in the .320's and two in the .300's in his last five major league seasons. Finally, if they trade Trumbo and bring in a guy like Corey Hart to DH, he's got a career OBP at .334, with some seasons being over .340 and some in the .330's. Cron in AA was at .319, but in A was at .327 so maybe he factors in. Fortunately if everyone can do .330 or above, Trout, Calhoun and Pujols all over .380 will bring the team OBP over .340.

I'd also include Tommy Hanson, give them the opportunity to non-tender if they'd like.

Trumbo for prospects is a better deal than Trumbo for Chacin. If they got pieces back for Trumbo like Butler, Bettis, and Murphy I'd be happy. Include Jepsen and Gutierrez if they want them. Then do both of my hot stove trades of the day and they'd be set. Finally, they could sign Cano. LOL. 1) Trumbo and Jepsen for prospects SP Butler, SP/RP Bettis & C Murphy 2) Kendrick, Tommy Hanson, and Jimenez for SP Miguel Gonzalez and SP Mike Wright 3) Iannetta for Trevor May 4) Corey Hart on a 1 year $4M deal 5) Cut Blanton 6) Non-Tender Gutierrez, Nelson keep Jerome Williams Rotation: Weaver, Wilson, Richards, Gonzalez, Williams/Wright Bullpen: Frieri, Smith, Burnett, Bettis, Salas, De La Rosa, Kohn/Williams/Roth/Maronde OF Trout, Calhoun, Hamilton, Shuck/Cowgill DH Hart/Cron INF Pujols, Green, Lindsey, Aybar, Romine, Freese C Conger, Murphy/Hester

Pinto is the guy. I get that. Except I doubt they turn over the starting C spot to a guy with 21 games of major league experience. Which is why they've been linked to catchers via free agency. Iannetta is signed for two more years, and can essentially split time with Pinto for the next two years.

The Orioles may not bring back oft-injured Brian Roberts, maybe they'd be interested in Kendrick over a free agent option? http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/mlb/rumors/post?id=9747 For those who want Dylan Bundy in return, not likely to happen. But looking at their prospects, #6 Prospect Mike Wright fits the Angels needs. Good year in AA, and is 23 so he should be ready for major league action soon. I also like their #2 prospect, Eduardo Rodriguez, but I'd think they'd be less inclined to deal him. On their major league side, Chris Tillman is obviously appealing, as is former Angels farmhand Miguel Gonzalez. I'd take Gonzalez and Wright for Kendrick. Would the Orioles? I don't know. Perhaps the Angels would have to take back salary like Tommy Hunter, though that would mean a prospect moving from the Angels to the Orioles, likely someone good like Mike Morin or CJ Cron. The Orioles have almost zero bad contracts, but do have a ton in arbitration, something over $40 Million. Still with only $45 M committed, that should be room to take on Kendrick and still keep everyone. Let's say Gonzalez and Wright for Kendrick and Luis Jimenez who could help to fill the 3B vacancy the Orioles will have with Machado out with an injury.

Twins are looking for a catcher. They have some good prospects they may be willing to deal instead of throwing money at Saltamacchia or another free agent option. http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/mlb/rumors/post?id=9761 Twins #3 Prospect Pitcher Alex Meyer is probably the best fit for the Angels, but I don't think Iannetta pulls that. Possibly Conger would, but I'd rather move Iannetta. Perhaps the Angels can include something else in this deal to get it done. More likely is Twins #6 Prospect: Trevor May. Struggled a bit in AA last year. I'd insist on getting a younger lower-level prospect in addition to May. I'd take Andrew Albers back if they'd deal him, he's 28, and finally got his shot this year with decent results.

Royals are not taking on $12 Million in Salary. Fowler makes a little less than $8M, Kendrick a little more than $9. Davis makes just shy of $5. They'd be clearing only Wade Davis in this scenario. They'd have to give up Billy Butler to make it work financially.

The Rockies would have to be blown away to trade Chacin. He's young dependable and affordable for 2014. I don't see that happening. Next year, they'll have a lot more prospects ready to move into the rotation (Gray, Butler, etc.)

I'd be fine with Butler, Bettis, and Murphy. It doesn't necessarily fill a rotation hole right now, but those three would instantly be top five prospects ahead of Cowart (off a down year), Lindsey & Cron.

I disagree, I'd hate to lose Trumbo, but the Rockies know he can fill their hole at 1st, relatively cheaply and that he might hit 50 HR in Colorado with a .290 BA. Think SLC numbers. They have some solid, near-ready minor leaguers, and if it re-stocks the farm with guys like I mentioned above, while saving the Angels $5M they can then spend on a free agent starter? I think Cron could put up similar numbers to Trumbo, especially when paired with a cheap DH option like Cory Hart or even Grant Green. Trumbo's defense is better than Cron's of course and can play 1st or the OF.

Maybe they would want Iannetta back if they are moving Rosario. I'd do Trumbo, Iannetta, Hanson for Parker, Bettis, Murphy & Butler. Except the Rockies probably wouldn't.

Looking over the Rockies stats, I see five things. 1) They're looking for starters too. Doesn't bode well for a contributor for 2014. 2) They had three underachieving 2nd baseman, but all in their mid-twenties, doubt they want Kendrick. 3) They don't want Iannetta as they have Wilton Rosario. 4) They're not parting with Tulowitski, Cuddyer, or Carlos Gonzalez unless it brings back a lot of young talent. Which the Angels don't have to offer. 5) Need a replacement for Helton. So, I'd say they Angels are pushing for Chacin and Bettis for Trumbo and a minor leaguer.

Ok, so this is one of my frequently discussed moves, I think the Blue Jays are the perfect fit for a Kendrick trade. It's been discussed a lot in the media, like at mlbtraderumors. Here is a proposed trade for Kendrick and Iannetta from a Jays fan at Jaysjournal. http://jaysjournal.com/2013/11/21/blue-jays-angels-need-make-trade/ His trade is Kendrick, Iannetta for JA Happ, Casey Jannsen and minor league pitching prospect Sean Nolin. Now we'd like to have Aaron Sanchez instead of Nolin, but the writer of this article is right, that's a big piece to give up. I think this leans a little too Jays. I've proposed trades like this getting Buerhle or RA Dickey but the Jays need pitching too….so it's a tough sell. So while I like this move, I'd take the same trade and alter it slightly in order to get Sanchez, but at the same time giving the Jays something they'd like. Salary relief. Future Salary relief. Here's my proposed trade: Angels Send Kendrick (9.5 M in 2014, 9.75 M in 2015) Iannetta (5 M in 2014 and 2015) Blanton (7.5 M, 1 M option in 2015) Pitcher Kevin Jepsen (or Tommy Hanson) for JA Happ 5.2 M with a 6.7 M option for 2015. Casey Jannsen 4M (or Sergio Santos at 3.9M) Ricky Romero 7.75 M in 2014 and 2015 Macier Izturis 3M in 14, 15 and 1 M buyout for 16. Minor League Pitcher Aaron Sanchez We're basically trading our headache starter for theirs, and while Romero has a greater upside, Blanton is due nothing in 2015, while Romero again makes 7.75M.. Angels send 23-26 Million out for 2014 and take back $19 M. Which is a $4 M savings, allowing them some room to make future moves if needed this year (I'd say bring back Jerome Williams). It gives the Jays one (or two starters) who struggled in their first taste of Anaheim, and also addresses two of their primary offensive concerns. It also gives them financial flexibility in 2015 as Blanton is off the books, while Romero stays on the Angels for one more year plus a buyout. Angels future salary commitments here are between 11M and 18 M in 2015, plus 4 M in 2016. The Jays take on 16 M in 2015. It doesn't exactly save them money, but it does give them starters at two offensive positions for almost a wash in Salary. Happ is a decent starter, who had an excellent September after returning from an awful skull injury. Jannsen is a good closer, who may or may not close in Anaheim. Further deepens the pen. Adding Izturis back gives them help for defense with Grant Green at 2nd and he can also play SS and 3B. Romero needs serious work, but he used to be their ace. Returning him to the place where he grew up, and letting him work with Butcher could turn him around. And of course there is the prize of the deal, minor league prospect Aaron Sanchez. They'd have a rotation of Weaver, Wilson, Richards, Happ & Williams/Romero for 2014. I'd lean towards bringing back Williams then because you'd need to handicap Romero in case he's not ready.

If Williams would accept 2/6. That would be worth it. If they can package Blanton in a salary dump type deal back to the National league, great. If not, hard to see how he fits on the 25 man. Hanson is the fifth starter unless they acquire someone. Even then, I could see him accepting the same type of deal as Williams. But them not bringing him back certainly is a sign. Jepsen and Gutierrez aren't needed now that they've acquired Smith and Salas. Nelson is gone with the addition of Freese. Romine gets a spot, as does a 7th pitcher. As for the remaining spot who knows. A hitter??

I doubt they trade Trumbo now. What they'd gain is not what he's worth. After a bounceback year of sorts, hopefully one where he has some post-season heroics, and also doesn't have a disappointing second half, Trumbo's value will be much higher than it is today. Also, CJ Cron should be pretty much ready to take over in 2015 at DH. Hopefully anyway.

Angels are better today than they were on Thursday if only because they added a starting 3B and a solid reliever. I don't like that it cost them a former first round pick, but Grichuck wasn't exactly tearing it up, the way even Bourjos did when he was in the minors. They dealt from a position of strength for a position of weakness. I also highly doubt they trade Trumbo. The only position of strength left is 2B because they acquired a hitter and have a defensive orientated guy in Romine to back up. Also at C where Iannetta and Conger may be one of the best Catching duo's in the majors. Maybe they can acquire Romine's brother if they trade Iannetta. As for SP, maybe they should plan on Williams being the fifth starter and sign a guy like Arroyo. That should put them near or at the CBT limit without any more trades. They could also take a flyer on one Mr. Barry Zito or Mr. Phil Hughes on a low dollar deal with incentives. Just because they tried last season to get innings eaters and picked the wrong guy (Santana is an innings eater and could've been had for what they paid Blanton and Hanson plus Ryan Madson). They could've kept him and stuck with a Rotation of Weaver, Wilson, Vargas, Santana, Richards/Williams. Not that bad. Not the depth they pictured but young controllable pitching is very highly sought after and they don't have the assets to bring that back. Should they somehow trade Kendrick for a guy like Zimmer from the Royals, Sanchez from the Jays, Odorrozi from the Rays, then they're golden. Should they decide to break the bank for a guy like Tanaka they're golden.