Los Angeles Angels Blogger Round Up: Dan Haren Trade

Eric DentonJul 26, 2010

In a new feature here on LA Angels Insider.com we get the opinions on Angels' season from the leading Angels bloggers on the web. Today's discussion is reaction to the Halos acquisition of Dan Haren from Arizona for lefty starter Joe Saunders and three minor leaguers.

Just another lazy Sunday afternoon when out of nowhere the news hits that the Angels have acquired three-time All-Star pitcher Dan Haren from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Joe Saunders , Rafael Rodriguez, Patrick Corbin, and a PTBNL. Tony Reagins flies under the radar again and pulls off the big deal just like he did in 2008 to obtain Mark Teixeira. Most indications were Haren would go to the Yankees, but you had to know Reagins was at least in contact with Arizona.

Reagins had the chip most other teams are reluctant to part with, a successful Major league pitcher under club control in Joe Saunders. It was tough to listen to Saunders interview after the deal was made, he's always been good to the "Angels On Air " radio program and this website, but as they say "you have to give up something to get something". Once the shock wears off Saundo, he will settle in and should do well for the Diamondbacks. The move could be good for him professionally as well, pitching in the NL West against lowered offenses and pitcher friendly ballparks.

For the Halos' this was a great move. While it's hard to imagine the Rangers blowing the lead they've built up in the AL West it's likely Haren will not pay immediate dividends. Los Angeles still has offensive issues to work on to get back into the 2010 race. However this move is huge for 2011 and 2012. Anaheim will head in 2011 with a rotation of Haren, Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana and Joel Pineiro as well as having Kendry Morales back in the lineup. Add free agent to be Carl Crawford into that mix and you've got a legitimate World Series contender. The future is bright.