Angels Pitching: Help Us Jake Peavy, You're Our Only Hope

(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Angels have to go after a starting pitcher, plain and simple.

There is no debating, no questioning, and no “taking phone calls,” as Angels general managers love to do. Now is the time to make a move.

Hard throwing right-hander Kelvim Escobar hasn't started a game since 2007. Last year, any hope of his return mid-season was dashed when irritation in his elbow forced him into surgery.

Currently, Escobar is in the midst of a brilliant recovery in spring training and well on his way back to the mound at the Big A, but not until the end of April at the earliest.

Hole number one.

Ervin Santana had hopes of repeating his breakout all-star year in 2008. But a sore elbow has pushed the young flame-thrower to the disabled list with no timetable for his return.

Manager Mike Scioscia says Santana should be able to return about the same time as Escobar.

Hole number two.

Now, staff ace John Lackey, a dominant presence in the American League, will start the season on the disabled list with soreness in his forearm, forcing him to miss at least two starts, including Opening Day.

Hole number three.

Yes, with just one week left until the start of the regular season, a full three-fifths of the Angels' stellar starting pitching rotation is on the mend.

I suppose it could be worse: Vlad Guerrero's car could drive off the 57 Freeway while he's giving Torrie Hunter a ride to the game.

So what are the Angels to do?

Their minor league system is absolutely packed with talent at every conceivable position, and with six major leaguers hunting for four outfield/designated hitter jobs, surely a trade package must be in the works.

Gary Matthews Jr., Brandon Wood, and Nick Adenhart for San Diego Padres starter Jake Peavy sounds fair. The Padres get a talented, veteran center fielder, a power-hitting infielder, and a young pitching prospect with nowhere to go but up.

And in return, the Angels show they are not afraid to make a move that means something.

Fans and media personalities alike were in a tizzy when Mark Teixeira was shipped to Anaheim last season, but guys like Lyle Spencer, who covers the Angels for MLB.com, know the trade was all flash and no substance.

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