Scott Kazmir Joins Angels: Does This Impact '09 Playoffs?

In a story that was first reported on ESPNews and MLB Trade Rumors, the Los Angeles Angels are about to acquire pitcher Scott Kazmir from the Tampa Bay Rays for two prospects.

One season ago, Kazmir was the ace of the Rays pitching staff that went to the World Series in 2008 and Kazmir was the Game One starter in each of those games in the playoffs.

In 2009, Kazmir has not been as good, but he has also been injured. He is currently 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA in 20 starts with only 91 strikeouts.

Because of the emergence of rookie Jeff Niemann in the rotation, plus the continuing development of David Price, Kazmir became expendable to Tampa.

The Rays have not been as successful this season as they were in 2008. Then, they won the AL East crown for the first time in team history and also won the American League Championship over the Red Sox before falling to the Phillies in the World Series.

This season, the Rays are currently in third place in the AL East and also in third place in the Wild Card division. The Rangers playing so well in 2009 has pushed Tampa Bay back in the race.

The Angels are currently in first place in the AL West at 75-51 and are only four games up over the Rangers in the division. They failed to acquire Roy Halladay at the trade deadline on July 31. The Angels are also expected to lose John Lackey to free agency in the winter offseason for the 2010 season.

Trading for Kazmir is not only a move for this season and the postseason, but for the Angels' future as well.

It had seemed like Kazmir wore out his welcome in Tampa Bay and needed a fresh start. By going to the Angels, he will get that fresh start he so desperately needs.

Also, he will get an opportunity to be a front end starter on another competitive team and make an impact on a squad that has Lackey, Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders, and Ervin Santana. That is a pretty good rotation when all are healthy and effective.

For the Angels, Kazmir doesn't have to be the "go-to" starter like he was expected to be on the Rays. He can fill a No. 2 or No. 3 role with the team and continue to be the power pitcher he has been throughout his career. He will have a chance to get stronger and become more durable on a team that does a great job at developing players.

Kazmir is only 25 years old and is still in his development stages. If given the proper coaching and treatment, he could still develop into the star that the New York Mets regretted giving away. Eventually, Tampa Bay may end up feeling the same way.

Only time will tell if this trade will work out for both sides.

The Angels will more than likely get to the playoffs and probably use Kazmir in the postseason, so he will be tested to see if he can really help his new team.