The Angels prefer to acquire a bat that is controlled beyond the 2015 season, but they’re warming to the idea of acquiring a rental, Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com tweets. That includes Yoenis Cespedes, though the cost of acquisition will obviously be key to any deal. At the very least, he adds, they’d like to add a bench piece they’re comfortable starting a couple of times per week.
Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register also hears that the Angels are opening up to not only the idea of rental players, but also to the idea of adding a right-handed bat. (Previously, the Angels have been said to prefer left-handed bats due to the heavily right-handed nature of their lineup.) According to Fletcher, the only player that seems off limits in the Angels’ minor league system is Sean Newcomb. Pitchers Chris Ellis and Nate Smith — two of the club’s top-ranked prospects — could potentially be had. Fletcher adds (via Twitter) that Andrew Heaney is probably not available either.
Gonzalez wrote yesterday that the Angels are seeking both a leadoff hitter and a power bat to slot in fifth behind Mike Trout and Albert Pujols in the batting order, though they may not be able to acquire both. In a followup tweet to the article, Gonzalez says he’s getting the sense that the Angels would prefer the power bat. David Freese has spent the bulk of the time hitting fifth in Anaheim this season but has batted a fairly pedestrian .240/.308/.409.
As for the leadoff role, Johnny Giavotella has assumed that spot lately but struggled there, and his .261/.315/.349 batting line is below the league average. The Angels, according to Gonzalez, are monitoring Chase Utley’s rehab as a possible alternative. However, they’d only have true interest were the cost “minimal” and should Utley begin to show his old form at the plate. (Utley, of course, is a potential August trade candidate, as one would think his contract, injury troubles and lack of production make him a lock to clear trade waivers.)
Ben Revere has been oft-connected to the Angels in the past, as has Cincinnati’s Jay Bruce. Gonzalez speculates (on Twitter), too, that Gerardo Parra of the Brewers might be a nice rental piece for the Angels.
Bennie the Jet This Month and Utley in August Wearing Angels uniforms
Utley has no value, like at all. No one wants him.
you obviously didnt hear that utley has figured out all his issues..once he’s off the DL, he’ll be soaring over .200 in no time.
Giavotella has been playing well and helping the team win. His overall game fits with the Angles style of play better then Utley’s would at this point in his career.
Without Sean Newcomb it’s unlikely that the Angels are a match for Jay Bruce.
Bruce is not worth Newcomb. Please get that out of your head.
And none of the Angels other prospects are worth Bruce, so cross that option off the list…
You have a very strange definition of value. Bruce is EASILY worth Newcomb. Bruce has a 124 OPS+ in the major leagues, on his way to a 3 WAR season and on a team friendly contract with two more years of control. There are very few prospects worth more than that. and none of them are 22 year olds in high A ball like Newcomb.
His deal is only like 12 mil in surplus value. Matt shoemaker and a decent prospect would be a fair deal.
Don’t forget to add the value of a qualifying offer to his surplus value. That bumps him up to more like $20-22 million surplus. That’s worth two low end top 100 prospects or a top 50 and a low B level prospect as the centerpieces.
How do you know he will warranty a qualifying offer that might be 20 mil by then? Shoemaker is a mid rotation guy with 5 years of control…
What do you mean? Bruce is exactly the type of player you make a qualifying offer to. He’s an above average player, with power, who will be looking at a 3-5 year deal. Shoemaker has some value but he is more of a back end SP. I have a hard time thinking another team wouldn’t beat that offer. I’m a Rays fan and would love to see my team go after Bruce. I also think 2 low end top 100 guys are a fair return and would have no problem with my team giving that up for Bruce.
Newcomb shouldn’t be in high A. He is one of the best pitching prospects in baseball, and the Angels will be able to control him through his prime. Bruce is a nice player, but he isn’t the type of player you give Newcomb up for.
Will make a Trade before Monday.
trade CJ
We want this this and this but we aren’t willing to trade anyone.
Which target of the Angels should cost Newcomb? It’s not like they are trying to get Harper and are offering a utility infielder in return. They have plenty of other pitching prospects that can help them attain one of their targets.
Sounds like pretty much every team. This exactly why there haven’t been any big trades yet.
yes, Ryan Howard stinks, but look at the numbers on that Angels roster. Ryan Howard and $ to cover all but about 5 mil of his remaining contract, plus Ben Revere for a minor league reliever like Gott and a second marginal prospect. Howard platoons with Cron; Revere leads off against right-handers.
Gott has been a solid major league reliever for over a month now.. But you are probably correct to assume that Howard and Revere are probably all the Angels will be able to afford without parting with Newcomb or Heaney..
Marlon Byrd anyone?
David Peralta would be a nice fit. Exactly what the Angels are looking for. (Left handed, power, cost controlled). Not sure what the cost would be though.
Did they learn nothing from the Vernon Wells trade?
How would Cespedes, and Raja Davis fit the Angels? and what would the Angels offer for them?
Nate Smith + Josh Rutledge for Yoenis Cespedes.