The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are sitting in second place and just a few games behind the Oakland Athletics in the Wild, Wild AL West. There has been added pressure on the Angels to succeed the past few seasons with the signings of players like Albert Pujols, C.J. Wilson, Josh Hamilton and the unbelievable emergence of Mike Trout. They haven't won their division or eclipsed the 90-win mark since 2009. Already flirting with 45 wins before the all-star break and looking like a contender the Angels are expected to be busy before the July 31 deadline.
Team Needs:
Relief Pitching:
It is shocking that the Angels are where they are right now with how poorly their bullpen has been. They lack a true closer, Ernesto Frieri has struggled all season and just recently lost the closing gig to Joe Smith. Smith isn't a closer either, he is more of a middle to late innings submarine specialist. The Angels have only converted sixty percent of their save opportunities. Their bullpen also lacks a left-handed arm and will need to look to add a left-handed option.
Starting Pitching:
For how poor the bullpen has been, is how good the starting rotation has been. Jared Weaver has turned back the clock a bit and has been delivering quality starts. CJ Wilson has been striking out hitters at a high rate, while Tyler Skaggs and Garett Richards have both been pleasant surprises. However, they are still searching for a top of the rotation pitcher. If they could, I believe they would like to move Hector Santiago out of the starting rotation and into the bullpen as a left-handed option.
Potential Targets:
Huston Street, CP, San Diego Padres
Street has been one of the more consistent closers in the game over the last few seasons. His only problem is that he plays for the Padres. There hasn't been a lot of save opportunities for him but the opportunities he has gotten, has been converted. So far this season, Street already has 20 saves with zero blown saves. He is not an overpowering guy and doesn't throw hard but knows what it takes to close out an opponent, something the Angels bullpen is seriously lacking.
Other Notable Options: Jonathan Papelbon, CP, PHI; Francisco Rodriguez, CP, MIL; Tyler Clippard/Drew Storen, RP, WAS; Will Smith, RP, MIL; Glen Perkins, CP, MIN; Troy Patton, RP, SD (Patton is currently on 15-day DL- shoulder).
David Price, SP, Tampa Bay Rays
After David Price's last start at Tropicana Field in Tampa Bay he tipped his hat to the crowd almost saying "thanks for the memories." Price's name has been in trade talks a lot this season and he has been heavily linked with the Angels. The Rays will ask for a pretty hefty return but with the Angels obviously in win now mode, it appears they will give up whatever they need to bring him in. I think we can chalk this one up as an almost sure thing.
Other Notable Options: Cliff Lee, SP, PHI (Currently on DL- elbow, set to begin rehab next week); Jeff Samardzija, SP, CHC; Brandon McCarthy, SP, ARI; Jake Arrieta, SP, CHC.
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