I bring this up now because everywhere I read, John Lackey comes out as the clear cut #1 pitcher to be a free agent during the 2009-2010 free agency period. Not only is he the #1 pitching free agent, but teams are mentioned that may be vying for his services. Namely, the Angels, Braves, Cubs, Dodgers, Mariners, Mets, Orioles, Rangers, Red Sox, and the Yankees. Some of these teams have very deep pockets, and there are very few are type A (In other words, that talented) pitchers like Lackey.

I was also reading about Brandon Webb, and his option possibly not being picked up by the Diamondbacks this winter due to his injured shoulder.

http://www.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090922&content_id=7100104&vkey=news_ari&fext=.jsp&c_id=ari

I understand wanting to know if a pitcher would be healthy prior to picking up a $8.5M option. But that still seems well below market value for a pitcher of his caliber. He has already had the surgery on August 3rd, and appears to be motivated to get healthy, stick to a training program, pitch at a high level again. Now, the Diamondbacks don't have the same money available that the Angels do, so my question to HH is, do you think Webb would be a solid plan B (If Brandon Webb's option is not picked up), if we cannot sign Lackey?

    

"Chapman has been called one of the "three great pitchers in the world right now who are not in the majors,"[1] along with Yu Darvish and Stephen Strasburg, who was drafted first in the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft."

-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aroldis_Chapman-

 

ESPN sites the Angels, Dodgers, and Red Sox, Yankees will at least show some initial interest. A 6'4", left hander, who throws gas is definitely worth the look. Anyone know if Kendry Morales knows him personally? Maybe that could the Angels a leg up on the competition... who knows.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4491904

Anyone interested in Marvin Harrison? I know he hasn't signed with anyoen yet and he may waiting for training camps to begin, for the reason of injuries and maybe soem people aren't working out as well as the teams thought. But, given outr situation with Brandon Marshall, don't you think it'd be wise just to visit the possibility? I mean, from what I've read, he's healthy, and looking to get on a contender. I think the Broncos are on the verge of becoming a contender for the Super Bowl in next two to three years. I believe this team will need some time to gel.

 

I believe there is a rumor out stating the Vikings might be trying to sign him as of June 25th. I'm speculating it's the request of Brett Favre. Maybe je wouldn't even want to come here, but I haven't seen aything on it so I'm hoping someone will shed some light on it for me. Thanks.

In the article, it mentions notjhing regarding the Angels being interested. But directly after Uggla, was Freddy Sanchez of the Pirates and it is said that it could be a big upgrade for the Angels. Now, I'm not into Freddy Sanchez as he's already 31 years old, but Dan Uggla is intriguing.... he's on pace for 30 homers, and 100 RBI's. Granted his avergae is .226 and OBP is .336, but those power numbers make you take a second look.

 

Could Howie Kendrick return to form like we all hope he does? Yes. Is it guaranteed that he will? No. Please people, don't tell me why the Angels will never deal with the marlins again because everyone here knows the reasons or excuses. Instead, I'll ask what is fair value for Uggla and what could the Angels part with and still keeping the team in tact for a title run?

 

I'd consider trading Brandon Wood for him. Uggla has proven it at the MLB level, Wood has not. Wood, Aybar, and a AAA arm (Not one of our top guys... someone projected as a low #2 future rotation type). Who's to say Uggla couldn't move to 3rd if HK picks himself back up. Without a SS beyond Izturis, Figgins can play SS. I think that's fair trade value.

http://bases.newsvine.com/_news/2009/06/24/2965677-10-most-likely-to-be-traded-infielders?category=sports

This is the first time I've seen anything like this directly linking Matt Holliday to the Angels. It appears to be typical LA  Times speculation, but nonetheless, news for the Angels. If the link doesn't work, paste into your browser and shoot me later.... But anyways, here is the link below:

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/rumors/post/Could-Matt-Holliday-end-up-with-the-Angels-?urn=mlb,171608

 

Anyone out there with opinions?

The Rangers are exploring trade scenarios for short stop Michael Young as he requested a trade after learning they wanted to move his to 3rd base.

So we can see it's much like the Miguel Tejada situation back when he was with the Orioles. He would not move to another position. The upside to that trade was Tejada was younger at the time. Anyways, Michael Young is 31 years old, has a .977 career fielding percentage. He's also been to 5 straight All-Star games. He's averaged a .200 batting average, 15 home runs, 87 runs batted in, 9 stolen bases, 99 runs scored (Possibly because of the Texas offense), a .346 On base percantage, walking 47 times, and striking out 106. He'll be 32 at the end of the year, and he's a local boy from Covina.

Keeping a few things in mind,

1. The Rangers obviously want a 3rd baseman.

2. He'll be 32 at this seasons end in October.

3. He's owed approx $62M over the next 5 years ($12M per).

4. They'll probably want an arm for him.

Would you trade for him? If so, what would you give up for him?

I'd trade for him. I'd offer Jared Weaver and Matt Brown. Would that get it done???? Maybe, but I think they'll ask for more.

It's said the Angels, Dodgers, Tigers, Royals, and Mets have already inquired. Though the Rangers are in no hurry to move him.

Here is what's left. This is from ESPN.com with what I cleaned up. The statement is always made, "We're always looking to make our club better..." So my opinion is simple with a little input for some. Would they make us better.

 

Bobby Abreu, RF - Free Agent (A) - NY Yankees - Yes for his ability to hit in the 2 hole.

 

Moises Alou, LF - Free Agent (B) - NY Mets - No.

 

Garret Anderson, LF - Free Agent (B) - LA Angels - I'm sorry GA. You’d make us better right now, but we just can't ask you to come back.

 

Luis Ayala, RP - Free Agent (B) - NY Mets - I believe we're set in the pen.

 

Denny Bautista, RP - Free Agent - Pittsburgh - Same as above.

 

Joe Beimel, RP - Free Agent (B) - LA Dodgers – Same as above.

 

Matt Belisle, SP - Free Agent - Cincinnati - Same as above.

 

Emil Brown, LF - Free Agent - Oakland - No.

 

Paul Byrd, SP - Free Agent (B) – Boston – No.

 

Orlando Cabrera, SS - Free Agent (A) - Chicago Sox – He makes us better right away, but I can’t see the Angels asking him to come back… especially after the trade was awash.

 

Bartolo Colon, SP - Free Agent - Boston - No. 

 

Alex Cora, SS - Free Agent - Boston - No.

 

Craig Counsell, 3B - Free Agent - Milwaukee - No.

 

Joe Crede, 3B - Free Agent - Chicago Sox - No, you would hinder Wood's growth.

 

Juan Cruz, RP - Free Agent (A) - Arizona - No.

 

Adam Dunn, LF - Free Agent (A) - Arizona - Absolutely. I'd do the deal today.

 

Ray Durham, 2B - Free Agent - Milwaukee - No.

 

David Eckstein, SS - Free Agent - Arizona - It would be great to have you back and I suppose it could happen if Figgins was dealt along with Aybar/Izturis. You could be our leadoff hitter again and a fan favorite. However, highly unlikely.

 

Jim Edmonds, CF - Free Agent - Chicago Cubs - Always remember "The Catch", but our relationship has run it's course.

 

Cliff Floyd, DH - Free Agent - Tampa Bay - Left handed DH fits our need, but I can't see him as an Angel. Nor, would I want him.

 

Eric Gagne, RP - Free Agent (B) - Milwaukee - Haha.... no.

 

Freddy Garcia, SP - Free Agent - Detroit - Could be a nice low risk option for the 5th slot in the rotation.

 

Nomar Garciaparra, SS - Free Agent - LA Dodgers - I'd take you for what Quinlan does. Ship Q, and bring in Nomar. Great back-up.

 

Jon Garland, SP - Free Agent (B) - LA Angels - I love the workhorse mentality, but you don't make us better.

 

Tom Glavine, SP - Free Agent - Atlanta – Another veteran lefty... recovering from injury. I'll pass on you.

 

Ken Griffey Jr., RF - Free Agent (B) - Chicago Sox - Would fit our need with a left handed bat in the DH slot but I can't see you as an Angel. But yes, he would make us better.

 

Mark Grudzielanek, 2B - Free Agent (B) - Kansas City - No.

 

Eddie Guardado, RP - Free Agent - Minnesota - No.

 

Livan Hernandez, SP - Free Agent - Colorado - No.

 

Orlando Hernandez, SP - Free Agent - NY Mets - No.

 

Eric Hinske, RF - Free Agent - Tampa Bay - No.

 

Orlando Hudson, 2B - Free Agent (A) - Arizona - Yes, but where? So no.

 

Jacque Jones, LF - Free Agent - Florida - No.   

 

Gabe Kapler, CF - Free Agent - Milwaukee - No.

 

Jeff Kent, 2B - Free Agent (B) - LA Dodgers - He would make us better today, but not tomorrow. Strictly as a DH, he has some value left in him.

 

Mark Kotsay, CF - Free Agent - Boston - No.

 

Jon Lieber, RP - Free Agent - Chicago Cubs - No.

 

Paul Lo Duca, C - Free Agent (B) - Florida - No.

 

Braden Looper, SP - Free Agent (B) - St. Louis - No.

 

Derek Lowe, SP - Free Agent (A) - LA Dodgers - Yes, and the more I look at this, the more I'm beginning to believe he'll be part of our rotation next year. He'd be solid for us.

 

Brandon Lyon, RP - Free Agent - Arizona - Yes, if Speier doesn't return to form.

 

Pedro Martinez, SP - Free Agent - NY Mets - I don't like his injuries, plus we’ll end up playing the Yanks and I don’t want to hear their his daddy… so no.

 

Guillermo Mota, RP –Free Agent – Milwaukee – No.

 

Mark Mulder, SP - Free Agent - St. Louis - My darkhorse. I'd like to see it on a 1 year deal w/ a possible for two. 1M$ tops. He's still young enough and I think he can bounce back. Sue me HH.

 

Will Ohman, RP - Free Agent - Atlanta - Yes, again, pending Speier.

 

Oliver Perez, SP - Free Agent (A) - NY Mets - I think Adenhart would be just as good and he’s a class A, so no.

 

Andy Pettitte, SP - Free Agent (A) - NY Yankees - He could help us. He's better than Adenhart at this moment so yes.

 

Mark Prior, SP - Free Agent - San Diego - Interesting but no.

 

Manny Ramirez, LF - Free Agent (A) - LA Dodgers - Obviously. He alone makes us have serious offense. The only FA left that allows us to make that jump. 

 

Dennys Reyes, RP - Free Agent (B) - Minnesota - No.

 

Juan Rincon, RP - Free Agent - Cleveland - No.

 

Ivan Rodriguez, C - Free Agent (B) - NY Yankees - No.

 

Kenny Rogers, SP - Free Agent - Detroit - No.

 

Takashi Saito, RP - Free Agent - LA Dodgers - No.

 

Ben Sheets, SP - Free Agent (A) - Milwaukee - He makes us better instanntly too but I've noticed the halos don't keep people around who have a recent history of injuries, especially pitchers.

 

Frank Thomas, DH - Free Agent (B) - Oakland - I'd take a flier on him for DH on a 1 year deal for $1M and incentives. Again... sue me HH.

 

Juan Uribe, 3B - Free Agent (B) - Chicago Sox - No.

 

Jason Varitek, C - Free Agent (A) Boston - No.

 

Omar Vizquel, SS -  Free Agent - San Francisco - No.

 

Ty Wigginton, 3B -  Free Agent - Houston - No.

 

Brad Wilkerson, RF - Free Agent - Toronto - No.

 

Randy Wolf, SP - Free Agent (B) - Houston - He makes us better today, not tomorrow. Plus, his contract will be greater than his value.

 

Gregg Zaun, C Toronto - No.

I've been mulling this over and over all night trying to figure out ways to get better besides the typical Dunn and Burrell conversations. I know Peavy is still a hot topic around here. First, the signings I would like to see happen:

1. Sign Mark Mulder for the 5th spot in the rotation. The most recent reports on ESPN is that he's healthy and has figured out the delivery issue. Angel pitching coach Mike Butcher has done a solid job cleaning up pitchers mechanics the past two seasons and I think he'd work well with Mulder. Back in Oakland, he wasn't the ace (Hudson and Zito)... the big three. In St. Louis, he was asked to lead a rotation due to the injuries to Carpenter and Wainwright. Maybe he's the kind of guy who needs more around him, which we obviously do. He's likely low cost too and that's a plus.I was thinking 1year for $1M-$2M base filled with incentives.

2. Sign Jason Varitek. The Red Sox just signed Josh Bard (formerly of the Padres) to be their catcher, and rumor has it they're still trying to trade with the Rangers for one of their young catchers. Tek would be able to spell Napoli in the event of injury or just a day off and play better than average defense. His big plusses are his invaluable leadership on and off the field. His game calling ability is amazing. He may be able to help us against the Red Sox in terms of how to approach their pitchers and hitters. No, he's not the hitter he once was, but that's not why I want him signed. I want the leadership and defense. 1-2 year deal max for $2M-$4M per.

3. Sigh, if we must, then we  must, sign Fuentes for no more than 3 years at $8M per. If he really to be an Angel, those are our terms... take it or leave it.

Now for the trade, my one and only trade:  Mathis, Morales, Wood, Adenhart, Weaver, and Willits to the Padres for Jake Peavy and Adrian Gonzalez. It fills holes for the Pads and they get young players who won't cost them for a few years.

My line-up:

1. Figgins 3rd

2. Izturis SS

3. Guerrero RF/DH

4. Gonzalez 1st

5. Hunter CF/DH

6. Rivera LF/RF/DH

7. Kendrick 2nd

8. Napoli C

9. Matthew Jr. LF/CF/RF/DH (When healthy)

Bench: Evans, Rodriguez, Aybar, Varitek, Quinlan, Brown.

SP1. Lackey

SP2. Peavy

SP3: Saunders

SP4: Santana

SP5. Mulder

BP: Arredondo

BP: Spier

BP: Oliver

Set-up: Shields

Closer: Fuentes

If  you want one more in the pen Jespon till/if Escobar comes back. Or if you feel Jepson is expendable, insert him in the deal minus Willits so we don't have to carry Evans on the 25 man roster. I know Reagins said we're going with a youth movement, but I'm not especially sold on it. If we ever have the abiity to obtain Peavy and Gonzalez, for the above mentioned guys, better damn well do it. Good trade for both clubs.

Good day all,

   I'm beyond excited for the winter meetings to begin today! And I imagine there is going to be a lot of chatter this week, so I propose we use this post strictly for the winter meeting week... if  you all want to keep each story completely separate, cool, just a thought.

Anyways, I came across this shit on mlbtraderumors.... God I hope not. Not even at half the salary.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/astros-willing.html