MLB Trade Speculation: 10 Corner Infielders the Los Angeles Angels Could Pursue
When the Los Angeles Angels announced last week that slugging first baseman Kendrys Morales, out since last May 29 with a broken left ankle, would be lost for yet another season, a collective groan could be heard from Anaheim.
Morales represented the best hope in reviving an offense devoid of power. Morales will go under the knife once again on May 26 to remove cysts that had developed during his rehabilitation.
As soon as the Angels made the announcement, rumors started swirling regarding what the Angels would do regarding their lack of power. While the team is hitting .258, good for fourth in the American League, it is only 10th in the league in runs scored and in home runs.
Outfielder Vernon Wells, out since May 10 with a groin strain, is not due back for another two to three weeks, and there is no one currently in the farm system who can provide immediate help. Rookie Mark Trumbo has filled in admirably for Morales at first, with a team-leading seven home runs and 21 runs batted in, but the lineup lacks a consistent threat in the heart of the order.
The most immediate fix would appear to be at the corner infield positions. While Trumbo has performed admirably, he is a rookie and can’t be expected to carry the load at this point. The combination of Maicer Izturis and Alberto Callaspo at third base has been productive in terms of average (a combined .302), but with only five home runs between them, combined with no immediate threat from the bench (Bobby Wilson, Alexi Amarista, Reggie Willits), Angels fans are starting to wonder, “Where’s the beef?”
Bleacher Report will take a look at some options that Angels general manager Tony Reagins could explore heading towards the trade deadline just over two months away.
Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter @Sports_A_Holic.
1. Sign Former Arizona Diamondbacks Infielder Russell Branyan
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Russell Branyan was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks last week, and immediately rumors swirled as to where he might end up.
Branyan’s average is a bit deceiving. In the period between 2008-2011, Branyan put up a slash line of .243/.334/.504 with an OPS of .839 and 69 home runs. Yeah, the average isn’t great, but the OPS and homers outweigh the average.
Branyan is a poor defender, so Halos manager Mike Scioscia would certainly have to do some tweaking to get Branyan’s bat in the lineup.
Couple that with the fact that Branyan could be had for the major-league minimum, and you have a cheap option available that would certainly provide more punch than what the Angels are getting off their bench now.
2. Make a Trade for Kansas City Royals Third Baseman Wilson Betemit
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If general manager Tony Reagins made a call to Kansas City to inquire about the availability of third baseman Wilson Betemit, it wouldn’t be the first time he made that call. Last July, Reagins swung a deal that brought Royals third baseman Alberto Callaspo to Anaheim.
Betemit is currently hitting .270 with two homers and 20 runs batted in and hit 13 home runs for the Royals last season in 84 games.
The problem with this deal is that Betemit and Callaspo are practically clones in terms of statistics, so there really wouldn’t be much of an upgrade here.
3. Make a Trade for Baltimore Orioles Third Baseman Mark Reynolds
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This would probably be a tricky deal to make, considering Reynolds is signed to a two-year, $12 million deal with an option for a third year at $11 million.
Reynolds has struggled thus far in his first season in the AL with a .196 average and just five home runs. However, his BAbip should rise significantly from its current .247, and Reynolds currently is striking out at a ratio of 27.6 percent, the lowest of his career.
If better plate discipline is in order for the 27-year-old slugging third baseman as a result, the Angels would certainly reap rewards later on.
General manager Tony Reagins could put together a package that includes current roster players (Callaspo, Izturis and/or Willits) plus a prospect or two. If Reynolds’ plate discipline continues to improve, the trade could end up being a steal.
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4. Make a Trade for Kansas City Royals First Baseman Kila Ka'aihue
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This could actually be an option that works well for the Halos. Ka’aihue is clearly down on the Royals depth chart with the fast rise of Eric Hosmer, and with Billy Butler serving as backup, Ka’aihue won’t be getting many more at-bats in Kansas City.
Although hitting just .195, Ka’aihue could just need a change of scenery to invigorate his career. Considering that Hosmer is clearly the future for the Royals, Angels GM Tony Reagins may not have to break the bank or sacrifice major prospects to get the Hawaiian slugger.
A platoon situation could certainly work with Ka’aihue and Trumbo, and with Trumbo’s ability to spot Torii Hunter in right field, it gives Angels manager Mike Scioscia some lineup options.
5. Make a Trade for New York Mets Third Baseman David Wright
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Considering New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon’s recent comments regarding his third baseman David Wright in a recent New Yorker interview, Wright may not have much time left in New York.
Just about everyone on the planet believes there will be a fire sale of sorts in New York, especially if Wilpon is unable to find a minority investor within the next month or so.
Wright was put on the disabled list with a stress fracture in his lower back and was due to see a specialist in Los Angeles on Monday to determine the proper rehabilitation. That said, Wright should fully recover and could provide great stability at third base for the Angels.
For those balking at Wright’s salary ($14 million this year, $15 million in 2012), the Angels will have $34 million coming off their books at the end of the season, assuming they don’t keep Bobby Abreu, Scott Kazmir, Joel Pineiro and Fernando Rodney. The issue is what the Mets will expect in return, so Reagins will have to put together an attractive package of prospects that hopefully doesn’t include Mike Trout.
6. Bring Chone Figgins Back from Seattle
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Would it really be that inconceivable to think that the Angels wouldn’t at least consider this option? Figgins, who spent the first eight years of his career in Seattle, has struggled literally since the day he got to Seattle in 2010.
Might the familiarity of Anaheim be the elixir for Figgins? He was undoubtedly one of the peskiest leadoff hitters the Angels have ever had, and at just 33 years of age, Figgins could certainly find that spark once again.
7. Make a Trade for Baltimore Orioles First Baseman Derrek Lee
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I find it way too hard to believe that Derrek Lee has hit the skids in terms of his career. Yes, he is 35 years old, and yes, he’s slumping badly in Baltimore. But given his career numbers, Lee, only signed for one season, could be a perfect two-month rental for the Angels.
GM Tony Reagins would have to work some magic in order to not give up the farm for a rental player, but Lee could certainly provide value down the stretch for the Halos.
8. Make a Trade for Washington Nationals First Baseman Mike Morse
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At first glance, Mike Morse’s slash line won’t blow you away (.267/.294/.356, .650 OPS), but he’s an attractive and cheap option who can play multiple positions (first base, outfield, DH).
Morse is only signed through this season, at $1.05 million, so the salary cost would be minimal and wouldn’t require the need to give up major prospects.
9. Make a Trade with Texas Rangers for Infielder/DH Michael Young
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After his torrid start to the 2011 season, it’s hard to believe that the Texas Rangers would now part with Young, who is hitting .339 with two homers and 31 runs batted in and leading the league in doubles with 16.
However, the fact remains that he is still unhappy in Texas with GM Jon Daniels and his situation, and Daniels would almost certainly listen to any proposition if it got him what he wanted.
But at what cost? Daniels would certainly want young players with MLB experience (Peter Bourjos, Hank Conger), would also want attractive prospects (Mike Trout) and would probably not be willing to pay any of Young’s salary ($48 million for 2011-2013). As much as Young would fit perfectly in the Angels lineup, the cost would be prohibitive.
10. Make a Trade with the Boston Red Sox for Shortstop/Third Baseman Jed Lowrie
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All we keep hearing in Boston is how hot young prospect Jose Iglesias is the future shortstop, possibly as early as next season. If that’s the case, where does that leave Jed Lowrie? With Kevin Youkilis firmly entrenched at third, there doesn’t appear to be a future in Boston for Lowrie.
With a slash line of .319/.362/.478, an OPS of .840 and the ability to hit with power, Lowrie would be a nice fit with the Angels. However, Sox GM Theo Epstein would have to be blown away to part with Lowrie, especially if the Sox are contending as they are expected to be.
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