As you all know, Roy Halladay is on the market. Roy Halladay! The best pitcher in baseball! It is no secret that the Angels have had their share of problems in the playoffs the last few years. In addition, this year our pitching staff can not seem to stay healthy. With Roy Halladay we would have a rotation that consists of him, John Lackey, Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders, and Ervin Santana. You tell me who is going to beat that in the playoffs.

You may be thinking that I’m crazy right about now, but I believe this is possible. The Blue Jays are said to be looking for a couple of major league ready players including pitchers, infielders, and some high level prospects. In the Sabathia deal Cleveland got five minor leaguers. I believe we can do better and keep our team intact. The Angels would give up Matt Palmer, Sean O’Sullivan, Brandon Wood, and two decent minor league prospects and in return we get the best pitcher in baseball. Yes we would be losing our best prospect, but there is no room for him on the major league roster anyway. Plus we still have Sean Rodriguez.

I’m tired of having a regular season team. We are ready for another world championship, and I believe Roy Halladay can give that to us.

-Tony C

Last week, Mike Scioscia threatened a shake up if the team didn’t turn things around, and that shakeup happened over the weekend. Howie Kendrick (.231, 4HR 22RBI) has been officially optioned to triple A and Sean Rodriguez (’09 stats - 205AB, .273, 21HR 60RBI 6SB) has been brought to the majors. Also, Scott Shields (6.62ERA, 15BB 12K) is to have season ending surgery on his right knee after a brief stint on the DL with patellar tendinitis in his left knee, and Kelvim Escobar (0-1, 3.60ERA) is taking his spot in the bullpen. This is all in addition to last week’s demotion of Jose Arredondo (5.55ERA, 12BB 27K) and promotion of Kevin Jepsen (’09 stats - 18in, 9.00ERA, 16BB 20K). The Angels have a bit of a new look.

These were all surprises, but the biggest shocker to me was that Rodriguez was called up rather than Brandon Wood (’09 stats - 175AB, .297, 14HR 36RBI). Yes, Sean Rodriguez has been hot of late and he plays second base, but Brandon Wood is the guy. I’m guessing this was because Scioscia didn’t want Howie and Sean splitting time in triple A, but it still would have been nice to see Figgins slide over to second base with Brandon Wood at third. We’ll see how it works out. Scioscia is usually right.

It is sad to see Scott Shields gone, but Escobar and Jepsen should help stabilize our bullpen. This weekend of moves resulted in a sweep of the San Diego Padres (28-34). Hopefully it will continue.

By: Tony C

The Angels made a move today, sending Jose Arredondo (1-3, 5.55ERA) to Triple A Salt Lake City and bringing up Kevin Jepsen (1-0, 9.00ERA) who has not returned to the Major League level since his injury.  Arrendondo has been struggling mightily this year, especially considering how lights-out he was last year.  His 5.55 era is just not going to cut it with the problems the Angels have had with their bullpen.

Despite this roster move, this will not be the last we see of Arredondo.   He is still a potential closer of the future and simply needs to work on his mechanics.  This move should be good for him in the long run.

The more interesting aspect of this move is bringing up Kevin Jepsen.  He had struggled at both the Major and Minor League level this season.  He gave up runs in each of his last two outings in triple A.  This is a case where we have to trust management, because on paper, it doesn’t look good.  The good news is, Jepsen was very solid when he was called up last year, so if he can regain that form, he can really help the Angels.

By: Tony C