Interview with Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com

I tell you, I'm on a roll. Just Had the chance to interview Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors.com. He's literally what every blogger aspires to be. A guy who started out posting his own findings on a website that ultimately grew into a full time job this past year. Way to go Tim. He's also really easy to talk to, and has great sources, has great baseball material, and just loves the game. Here's what he had to say to my (albeit rookie) questions this past week

The Geek: Tim, as you know, I blog about all things Orange County. I won't bore you with questions about Teemu Selanne's rumored return, but I have a few questions about the Halos, and the rumors you're hearing/seeing out there. I appreciate your time, I know your site in particular demands a lot of attention so I'll keep this brief.

The Geek: The Halos are literally built for the regular season. Do you think they have what it takes to make a big push into the post season this year?

Tim D.: I think power starters are the most important thing in the playoffs, and the Angels can boast John Lackey and Ervin Santana at the front. So I can envision postseason success, but it's so hard to predict.

The Geek: The Trade market. We know that former GM Bill Stoneman never really bought into the rent a player for prospects mentality, and consequently, the Halos were usually standing pat come the deadline. New GM Tony Reagins made a splash this summer by picking up Torii Hunter, but has been relatively quiet since then. Should Angel fans expect more of the same from Reagins, long term? or is his approach more tied to a relatively light trade market for a power hitter?

Tim D.: I think there are plenty of power bats out there, and both Reagins and Stoneman have flirted with a few major acquisitions. You can look at it either way - certain trades, like Ervin Santana and Erick Aybar for Miguel Tejada, might have turned out badly. On the other hand, Brandon Wood's stock is down from what it was. Anyway I think it makes sense that Reagins would share some of the philosophies Stoneman did.

The Geek: The Angels are obviously enamored with Chone Figgins,and rightfully so. Is he their true solution at Third Base, or do you see him more as a super utility player?

Tim D.: Super utility...a corner infielder with a .325 SLG sets you back.

The Geek: The Angels have been touted as having one of the deepest minor league systems in the game for some time. It seems like some of their old "potential" has lost some of its luster. With Brandon Wood, Hank Conger, and Nick Adenhart waiting in the wings, are the Angels as deep in their minor league system as once thought, or are they running out of potential quicky?

Tim D.: I think it's just that some of the top prospects have graduated to the bigs. However their system is not as vaunted as it once was.

The Geek: Just your gut call: Keeping Howie Kendrick and Saunders/Santana for the proposed Miguel Cabrera trade last year. Angels made the right call for THIS year, but did they make the right call long term?

Tim D.: Yes, seeing that Cabrera is now a first baseman. The Halos might be able to get similar production at a similar price from Mark Teixeira if they sign him this winter, without giving up young talent.

The Geek: Thanks for your time and insight, Tim, and keep up the great work over there at www.mlbtraderumors.com