angelsnationtalk

I initially put "Dallas Keuchel signs with the" But didn't want to get some people's panties in a bunch

Keuchel is a must over Ryu. Better in terms of injury history and would likely cost less. I think for the Angels to be serious contenders they should sign another arm and not trade for one. Maybe like a Teheran or Alex Wood type. (Assuming Mets fail), Syndergaard could be someone available. Only then should Marsh be used. Give him the season to build value. Though I'd much rather see them hold on to Marsh and watch how Upton does this year. I think that's very important and I think that's why Eppler backed out with Kluber

Let me just ask this. Would everyone be comfortable with the roster if the Angels only signed Keuchel? Would you think "okay now we have a chance for a playoff spot?" I think we'd need more.

Now that I have your attention. Predict where Dallas Keuchel sign and for how much. I'll go first: Angels 4yr/$64M

May the odds be ever in your favor

Probably not when you're 21 years old and can hit 102mph with good cut action and potential to develop a good slider.

Good post, Chuck. I did the same thing when my site was up and running at the time. Keep up your great work!

We might think it was a low return for Cleveland but they love Clase. Just like you said, teams value players differently. Clase can be one hell of a closer in the near future and he's only 21.

Dodgers have been rumored to pursue a trade for Betts if they can't get Lindor. Dodgers probably want to dump Pollock's salary as well. I know the Angels won't do this, but I wonder if they theoretically could since they have checked in on David Price....(assuming players waive their NTC's) Swap Betts and Price to the Angels for Upton and a few prospects. Angels are likely able to spend another $30M before the season and dumping Upton will free another $21M this season adding up to $51M. Betts+Price will add up to around $59.7M this year. Assuming the Angels find a way to re-sign Betts, would you be willing to part ways with Marsh if Boston asked for him? This basically solidifies the outfield with Adell, Trout, Betts and Marsh won't be needed anymore (if they extend Betts immediately). The downfall is they have the risk of not re-signing Betts and have Price's contract to pay. Lineup (by end of year): Betts, Trout, Rendon, Ohtani, Adell, Simmons, Stassi, LaStella, Fletcher Rotation: Price, Ohtani, Heaney, Canning, Bundy.

Good post. I just hope Eppler isn't thinking the same thing and thinks "we don't need good arms when we've got Callaway to fix it!"

I don't want Boyd. At all, but if he's someone we're going after and assuming Callaway can help him, then i'm for it. Only if guys like Marsh, Fletcher, Adams, Jackson and Rengifo aren't involved. Which is basically me saying no cuz I bet those named will be involved. And yes I understand that Adams and Rengifo are absolutely moveable for the right pitcher. Boyd isn't it.... Bundy has a slightly better career ERA than Boyd and we traded no names for him. We should do the same for Boyd. I'm not sure of a package, but i'd give guys like Walsh, Maitan, and maybe Madero If that means Boyd. If it's true that the Angels will spend around $30M-$35M more before the season starts then I'd like to see this: (Assuming max $) Keuchel- $20M AAV Boyd- $6.4M Contreras- $5.4M Total: $31.8M

Says who?

That's why maybe he's a buy-low guy. As long as Marsh isn't involved.

So who would you trade then?

My bad, just read the post from Fletcher saying they could still spend around $30M. Would be great to see. Hypothetically speaking they could afford Keuchel at $20M, Contreras at $4.5M and Jon Gray at $5.6M. Total of $30.1M. Though the farm would be depleted if we traded for both Contreras and Gray in separate trades.

Can we even afford that?

TOTALLY agree we need a front line starter. BUT hear me out.. The Angels need to become a dynasty team and not go "win now for this year". How do they do that? They keep Adell, Marsh and Canning. They can more than likely afford to sign Keuchel AND trade for someone like Boyd who has been rumored with the Angels today. No, it doesn't get us an "Ace", but it completely reshapes our typical injured rotation and gives us a great amount of depth should any injury happen. The Angels can definitely get themselves to the playoffs with the offense they have and by adding Keuchel and one of Jon Gray of Boyd. That's why I think Eppler is holding off on shopping Marsh right away. Marsh has the bat from the left side that Eppler loves and he's the next piece once Upton falls apart again.

We didn't trade Wilson for Rendon. We could have afforded him before Wilson. The next FA we sign will likely be in thanks to the Wilson trade. Plus, you can never be sure about prospects. When you have an overload of infield talent and the chance to capitalize on a situation to free up salary room to potentially take the Angels in a completely different (and better) direction, then you take it. Eppler clearly doesn't waste prospects in a trade. The Indians asked for Marsh, Sandoval and Deveaux for Kluber and Eppler is smart not to bite just because we need an ace. Eppler has my 100% trust in the trades he makes.

Keuchel fits the profile of what the Angels can do in terms of a solid infield. He would also likely get around or maybe less of what Bumgarner got. I'd say for Eppler to talk to Arte about opening the budget for Keuchel AND Teheran, then trade for Wilson Contreras.

Love option 2. Hate the idea of trading Marsh and looking like the Twins. Unfortunately, trading for Contreras likely means we part with Marsh. If we trade him it should be for a pitcher. Unless they really value Rengifo and a different prospect(s). I'm sure the Angels will sign Keuchel but I doubt they will have money after that to get Castellanos. Maybe they could get Keuchel and trade for Contreras.

I agree. I'm not saying we need to go all out, but what I'm saying is they need to start getting pitchers that fit the window for the next 1-5 years. The only urgency the Angels need right now is to get to the playoffs this season. No more wasting Trout's service. Start by making the WC this year and only get better as the years progress.

I hear where you're coming. We are all hoping the rotation performs to their potential. Looking at the the prime of Mike Trout I don't think we're in a position to wait for these guys to develop. Financially, the Angels could afford getting Keuchel and trading for Jon Gray of the Rockies. We still don't have an ace and we can all agree it likely wins you rings. Look at the last 5 teams to win a World Series and the rotations they had. 2019 Nationals: Max Scherezer, Stephen Strasburg, Anibal Snachez/Patrick Corbin 2018 Red Sox: David Price, Chris Sale, Nathan Eovaldi/Rick Porcello 2017 Astros: Justin Verlander, Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers Jr 2016 Cubs: Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Ky;e Hendricks, John Lackey 2015 Royals: Johnny Cueto, Edinson Volquez, Yordano Ventura The Angels can compile a team of solid #3-5 starters, but until they get a solid Ace and #2 starter they will struggle to compete for a title. We've seen in the past that good pitching will win you games. Signing Anthony Rendon is great, but it still gets us a Wild Card chance. Being able to get Keuchel gets us a step ahead, but we still need rotation help and betting that everyone plays as expected, let alone stays healthy, is a far stretch. We can't let Arte stay set on winning games 9-8. if they Angels can work creativity to get an ace within the next two years then our outlook is much better. I hope Ohtani fits that role, but we need him healthy first.

I think In order for the Angels to make a run this year then they need 2 solid arms still. I’d start with Dallas Keuchel since he will benefit heavily with Rendon/Simmons on the left side. Then, the Angels need the ace in Kluber. Someone to solidify the rotation at the top and bring the veteran presence. Kluber, Ohtani, Keuchel, Heaney, Canning, Bundy. That’s a pretty good rotation.

Agreed. For the Price of Price ( no pun intended), the Angels have a better chance signing Keuchel and trading for Jon Gray. Financially it works. Keuchel fits beautifully with the infield. Gray is only set to make $5.6M. Add that to Keuchel being priced around $23M and they could afford both at $28.6M total. Price costs $32M this season. Obviously i'd prefer the Angels to sign Keuchel and trade for Kluber, but financially I doubt Arte wants that.

Hopefully not