MLB Free Agents 2012: 5 Moves Los Angeles Angels Should Make This Offseason

2011 continues to be heartbreaking for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Not only must the Angels watch the rival Texas Rangers make a second consecutive World Series, they must do so with the knowledge that they aided the Rangers' title quest.

First, they let 3B Adrian Beltre slip through their hands in the offseason. Worse, former GM Tony Reagins made an all-time awful trade, trading Mike Napoli (who was traded to the Rangers days later) for horrendously overpaid Vernon Wells. There's no doubt that the Angels might still be playing baseball if they had Beltre and Napoli on their roster.

Still, there is reason for optimism in 2012. The Angels have two aces in Jered Weaver and Dan Haren, and another great pitcher in Ervin Santana. In the outfield, emerging star Peter Bourjos will be joined by super prospect Mike Trout.

Hopefully the Angels' yet to be determined new GM is willing to make a splash this season.

Here are five moves that can send the Angels to next year's Fall Classic.

Sign P CJ Wilson

Baseball is a cyclical game. 2011 was the first time in two decades that the pendulum swung in the pitcher's direction. With pitching's new found importance, the Angels shouldn't be afraid to further bolster their already impressive rotation.

Adding Wilson would give the club hands down the best rotation in the American League. It would also exact sweet revenge on the Rangers for acquiring former Angels Vladimir Guerrero and Mike Napoli, respectively, the past two years.

There will be pressure to add bullpen help, but the new GM should abstain. Relievers are always overpriced in the free agent market, as the Angels have seen first hand with Fernando Rodney.

Sign C Yadier Molina

The continued employment of Jeff Mathis is puzzling, considering his .484 OPS. Hank Conger is an intriguing prospect at catcher, but his 2011 struggles indicate he's still raw.

Molina wouldn't just be a familiar name for the Angels; he offers both above average offense and defense at the catcher position.

His 3.9 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) would be an immense upgrade over Mathis' below replacement play.

Trade for 3B David Wright

Bringing in Aramis Ramirez (who turns 34 next year) to play hot corner may be a more popular proposition, but Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu have shown how aging ballplayers can eventually burden a club.

Wright's trade stock is relatively low after a poor 2011 season. If the Angels can acquire Wright, and he returns to form, they not only enjoy his 2012 success, they also put themselves in a position to sign him long term when he becomes a free agent the following year.

If he continues to struggle, worst case scenario is that they deal him at the trade deadline.

Sign SS Jose Reyes

Reyes is coming off a career season in which he posted a 6.2 WAR. Only 28 next season, he should continue to perform at a high level for years to come.

You might be arguing that the Angels already have a young shortstop in Erick Aybar. Yes, but surprisingly, he is actually the same age as Reyes. At this stage, Reyes is the far superior player.

Should they make this move, the Angels would be able to trade Aybar for good value.

Sign 1B Albert Pujols

It's not often the best player in baseball is on the open market. Even in an "off year", Pujols managed to lead the Cardinals to the World Series and he could do the same if the Angels were able to acquire him.

It wouldn't be easy, considering many teams (Cardinals included) will expend most of their offseason effort, but he would instantly shore up the Angels offensive woes.

Another alternative would be Brewer's 1B Prince Fielder. He's not quite of Pujols' caliber, but he's still a terrific masher.

In either scenario, newly healthy Kendrys Morales would move to DH. Current 1B Mark Trumbo might win Rookie of the Year, but considering his sub .300 OBP, he shouldn't prevent the Angels from making a splash in the 1B market.