The Angels seem to be treading water right now, and I don’t think anyone would argue that they don’t need a change. So, in my dream world where I am Angels GM, here is what I would do.
1. Trade for Francisco Liriano: Liriano is under a one year contract, and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2011. Due to a poor start at the beginning of the season, his value is fairly low. Unlike Kazmir, injury should not be a concern as he has already had Tommy John surgery. The Angels need a lefty, and his potential in unlimited, especially because his numbers are in a hitter friendly ballpark.
Who to give up: Tyler Chatwood, and two low level minor leaguers. I like Chatwood, but let’s face it, his ceiling isn’t that high.
2. Trade for David Wright: Most of you are probably thinking I am either overly ambitious, or out of my mind. However, my argument for Wright is similar to Liriano, and I think we can do both. He is not performing to his ability and his numbers are really constricted due to the ballpark he is in. We need power, we need a third baseman, and the Mets are sellers. This would be a great deal.
Who to give up: Here is where I will lose most of you. I would give up Peter Bourjos, Alberto Callaspo, and two low level minor leaguers. I know Bourjos is fast, but I don’t don’t see either of these players as huge impact players, and that’s what the Angels need. This also allows some flexibility with the DH slot, and leaves a hole for Mike Trout. I know our defense would be worse with Abreu in the outfield, but we would still feature two Gold Glovers. The best part about it is we get to keep two great, young talents in Trout and Trumbo.
3. Keep Howie Kendrick up in the order: I know this is a managerial decision, and it is usually done, but this would be a shift in ideology. There is no doubt that Mike Scioscia is the best manager in baseball, but he has no consistent lineup philosophy. In my view, your best hitters should bat early in the lineup so they get the most AB’s. For whatever reason, Scioscia likes to spread out his performers. I don’t care how fast they are, or how well they hit with runners in scoring position (which is usually luck), your best hitters should hit first.
All three of these are entirely possible and we would end up with a starting rotation and lineup like this:
Starting Rotation:
1. Weaver
2. Liriano (To split up the best righties)
3. Haren
4. Santana
5. Piniero
Lineup:
1. Abreu
2. Kendrick
3. Wright
4. Hunter
5. Wells
6. Aybar
7. Trumbo
8. Trout/Branyan/Whoever else
9. Mathis/Conger
Tell me what you think in the comments section below.
-Tony C.
No way you give up Peter Bourjos for anyone. He’s the best defensive CF in the game right now, and finally clicking offensively. The scary part is we’ve just scratched the surface with him. Looking to the future, an outfield of trout and pbo has drastically more potential than David Wright could bring us short term. Let’s face it Angel Stadium is not a hitter friendly park either. I’m not saying I don’t like David Wright , but giving up Bourjos is just bonkers.
I would of had Loriano 2nd in rotation. You want the best guys with the most innnings.