With the brutal string of injuries that has plagued Angel pitching throughout most of the current season, it seems surprising that there is such little talk of acquiring a proven arm via trade. The days of turning to “in-house solutions” seem to have passed. With many of their young arms already in the majors and a rash of injuries besetting the club – not to mention the tragic death of promising right-hander Nick Adenhart – the Angels are lucky to have had 30-year-old rookie Matt Palmer step in and do the job that he has (6-1, 4.70 ERA). Beyond Palmer, there seems to not be much left within the organization to turn to.

The current starting rotation is a far cry from the consistency Angel fans have been accustom to in recent years. Ervin Santana (16-7, 3.49 ERA in 2008) hasn’t been right the entire season (1-3, 7.47 ERA in 6 starts in 2009). He is currently on the DL with elbow issues, and while the Angels hope he will regain his 2008 All-Star form, the reality of that happening is growing dimmer with each day on the disabled list and each trip to the doctor’s office. Kelvim Escobar has barely thrown in the big leagues over the past year and a half and with yet another setback in his current attempt at a rejoining the active roster, it looks as though he cannot be counted on this season – either as a starter or in relief. Jose Arredondo, the latest hopeful to recapture his 2008 lightning in a bottle success and help stabilize a reeling bullpen, also recently joined the long list of the Walking-Wounded. Besides Santana and Escobar, that list also includes Scot Shields (out for season) and Dustin Moseley (DL – hip). John Lackey, the long-acknowledged horse of the rotation in Anaheim, is just recently appearing to regain his dominant form after contending with a six-week DL stint to open the season. Jered Weaver has been just short of exceptional, anchoring the staff until at least some of the troops arrive.

With the heat of July and the baseball’s dog days quickly approaching, let the clamoring for a trade begin. Let’s focus in on a name most Halo fans are familiar with: Jarrod Washburn of the Seattle Mariners. Washburn seems to be a perfect fit to bolster the Angels rotation. While his 4-5 record won’t invoke tremendous applause, his 3.22 ERA accompanied with a 1.19 WHIP in the hard-hitting American League definitely should. He has been the unfortunate recipient of some of the worst run support in baseball and still looks to have plenty left in the tank. Washburn is very familiar with manager Mike Scioscia and the Angels’ organization, as well as being extremely familiar with the division, having pitched exclusively in the AL West for the past decade.

One of the most appealing features of a possible Washburn trade would be that the Angels could likely get him at a relatively low cost. With an expiring contract, it would seem Washburn could possibly be had for a low-level prospect and agreeing to take on his salary. That is of course, if Seattle begins to slip a little further out of contention and doesn’t balk at trading within their division.

Alternatives to strengthening the rotation are the much shakier prospects of signing Pedro Martinez or half-season mercenary Paul Byrd (whom the Angels had no qualms releasing a couple seasons ago). The Angels have already said they have no interest in signing Martinez and Byrd would appear to be a severe long shot. More names and possibilities should begin springing up shortly as we enter July and hopefully, the Halos will be looking into them diligently. General Manager Tony Reagins did pull the trigger on the Mark Teixeira deal last year, making the major acquisition that former GM Bill Stoneman appeared reluctant to act on.

Rumblings up the I-5 in Dodgertown have already included Washburn as a possible addition to the Dodgers’ depthless starting rotation. Perhaps it’s time similar rumblings begin to grow louder in Orange County. Acquiring Washburn may seem to be minor in comparison to last summer’s Teixeira blockbuster, but bringing him in at this juncture of need could have a major impact on the Angels’ 2009 season.

By: Blake Warren