While we're still awaiting official word, it appears that the Angels will add Scott Kazmir to their rotation at the cost of some prospects later tonight. The Halos will reportedly take on Kazmir's entire contract, which is upwards of $23MM if the club declines his 2012 option. The team also has a decision to make this coming offseason about incumbent ace John Lackey, who is set to become a free agent for the first time in his career.
So tonight's question is this: how will the Kazmir pickup affect the Angels pursuit of John Lackey, if at all? Does the club now have a little more leverage now, meaning they could hold the line in negotiations with Lackey a little harder than they would have since Kazmir represents a "replacement ace." Or does it not even matter?
