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The offseason can still be salvaged. Here is my vision.

I think we are all disappointed to see Figgins, Lackey, and Vlad depart. I don't think anybody expected ALL of them to leave. But it is what it is. We can't spend too much time moping about what we could have done or what we should have done. Let's focus on what the situation is right now and move forward with what we have. That being said, here is what I think the Angels should do. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on my ideas:

Phase 1: Sign Jason Bay

- While it is clear that pitching is the number 1 current need of the Angels, signing Bay would give the Angels a formidable offense to carry the team through periods of inconsistency of the pitching staff and it would give the Angels a legitimate shot to defend the AL West title once again. Yes, the Mariners have superior pitching but signing Bay would not only bolster our offense, but it would keep him from making Seattle's anemic offense respectable. Lastly, It should be noted that Bobby Abreu was brought to help transform the Angels into a patient team. Hideki Matsui and Jason Bay further that cause. That would give us 3 legitimate run producers that have good AB's and work counts and I think that would be a great influence for the young core, especially Brandon Wood as he will likely become a full time big leaguer finally.

Phase 2: Trade Juan Rivera

-Assuming that Bay is signed, there will be no place for Juan Rivera. Rivera has good trade value as he can give a team solid production (25 HRs, 88 RBIs, .287 BA) and he comes at a very reasonable price. He is a good "bang for your buck" player and that is a great asset to have, especially in this economy. He could be used to acquire pitching help from a power starved team. The Giants and Braves come into mind. Maybe we could do a Rivera-Jonathan Sanchez swap or a Rivera-Lowe swap (If Atlanta eats alot of his salary). Or he could be used to acquire bullpen help. There are many options that can be explored.

Phase 3: Sign Erik Bedard or Ben Sheets

-Both of the aforementioned starters have an extensive injury resume', but both can be dominant aces when healthy. Given their injury woes, they can come cheap. We can give either of them a "Rich Harden" type deal, laden with incentives. And if it doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world as we won't be stuck with their contract for very long and it won't be a huge money loss.

Projected Lineup:

SS Erick Aybar

RF Bobby Abreu

CF Torii Hunter

1B Kendry Morales

LF Jason Bay

DH Hideki Matsui

2B Howie Kendrick

C Mike Napoli

3B Brandon Wood

OR

2B Maicer Izturis

RF Bobby Abreu

CF Torii Hunter

1B Kendry Morales

LF Jason Bay

DH Hideki Matsui

C Mike Napoli

3B Brandon Wood

SS Erick Aybar

Projected Rotation:

Jered Weaver

Joe Saunders

Scott Kazmir

Ervin Santana

Erik Bedard/Ben Sheets

Now that you've made it through this ridiculously long post, tell me your thoughts.

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