Post-Abreu, thinking trade options...

Start: Abreu DH, Kendrick 2B, Guerrero RF, Napoli C, Morales 1B, Hunter CF, Rivera LF, Wood 3B, Aybar SS (Happy to swap around Abreu and Kendrick or stick in Aybar / Izturis at the top if they’re showing the skillz)

Available for trade: Figgins, Willits (he has until GMJ returns from injury to prove his worth), GMJ, Izturiz, S-Rod, Bulger, Thompson, Loux, Moseley. Probably in the form of Figgins +1 or 2.

In return: Outfield prospects, our lot ain’t getting any younger

they interviewed him during the Lakers game last night, and was IMHO sounding like a man on a mission.

Said he was doing two-a-days since November. And when asked about now that Spring Training is starting soon that its time to go back to work, GMJ replied “I’ve been working since October 28. The day I had the operation.”

I do, I really do. Going into last year, my two favorite Angels were Figgy and Kotch. I like his attitude, I like his hustle, I like his team play, I like his improvement and steady play at third, I like his triples, I like his speed.

But we gotta trade him.

The time is now. We need to do it before the speed is entirely gone and he is pure punch-and-judy. I hate to say it. But if we can find a good trade partner…a good starter, say…then it has to be done.

It’s either Figgins or Aybar that’s going to have to go – hopefully Figgins.

Sure, we may have to deal with a mediocre lead-off guy for a year, but we’ll be better for it. The faster guys like Wood and Aybar (especially Wood) can develop in the Majors, the better of this team is going to be in 3, 4 or 5 years.

trade Figgins for a prospect or 2, go all in on the youngsters and have a great year.

if there’s a reasonable opportunity to pick up a proven major league starter to fill out the rotation we should go for it. id be willing to trade basically any combination of the guys you listed.

How about taking a roll of the dice on Nick Johnson? I know he’s recovering from a nasty wrist injury, which can kill a power-hitter’s career. I know that even if he returns from that, he may still have nowhere to play on our club. And I know that even if he returns, he might just sprain his neck while putting on his helmut for BP. But he’s one of the most talented left-handed hitters in the game, the Nats just crowded him out of the picture – and likely don’t want to pick up his tab – and he would be great insurance for us if Morales stumbles.

I hate to give up our depth…and we have DEEP depth…but I am not looking forward to every fifth game right now. I think we are best off putting Kelvim in the pen when he returns and that leaves us with a number of options for the #5 starter…none of ‘em good. Maybe Adenhart or one of the others steps up and impresses. But I think if we’re not exploring trade options for a starter we’re missing the boat.

I’d love to know how hard we tried to acquire Peavy, whether that could be addressed again given the Abreu acquisition, and whether Peavy would even approve the trade. But I’d also like to know what other options have been explored. I don’t know any other team with a surplus of pitching, but there are certainly a number of teams that are rebuilding. Who could we get?

The OC Register blog weighs in.

For the non-GMJ package, get Jake Peavy in return. As for the leadoff “question,” there’s no question about it — Abreu would make a much better leadoff hitter than Figgins. Bye, Chone!

All I wanted was another big bat, and hopefully that’s Abreu.

I guess I can see the rationale behind trading Figgins now, but I’m not sure I want to roll the dice on Wood when there are so many other question marks already. I’m still not sold on Aybar. I’d rather trade him and Mathis (and a prospect SP if needed) for a #5 starter, and let Wood be Izzy’s and Figgin’s back up (or steal Izzy’s job if he can).

Concerning GMJ, we need to pretend like he is not on our team. He will not start for us, and we cannot trade him. Just eat the contract. Let him keep being a high paid benchwarmer once he returns from injury.

It is more likely that Nap hits 20, Vlad hits 25, Hunter hits 20, Abreu hits 15 and Morales hits 15. I’m really hoping Abreu doesn’t see the field, love the bat and the walks but he is not to be trusted in the OF. I’m glad we finally have an OBP guy.

Wow… I keep hearing about trading Chone Figgins to fill the last spot of our rotation and I am shocked. He is the only legitimate lead-off option we have right now and he can play anywhere on the field. We need to keep our depth in place!

The only option would be if he could be packaged in a deal for Peavy or another quality starter. What kinds of package would it take to land Peavy? Do we revisit it with the Padres?

Figgy, Ortega, and prospect for Peavy?

dumb dumb dumb.

GMJ still has potential. On top of that, for as much money as we are paying him, there is no way we are going to send him on “assignment”. Not to mention HE HAS A FRIGGIN TRADE CLAUSE!!!!!!!!!!!

Why trade Mathis? Albeit he hasn’t performed well at this level, but he is better than Budde or Wilson. Plus, if Napoli gets injured, you’d be stuck with Budde and Wilson as your catchers. Its not like Mathis makes a isht-ton of money, and he could still prove to be a good defender at this level. Napoli and Mathis make a good combo and if either is injured then we can bring up Budde.

I don’t see us trading Figgins, at least it wouldn’t be smart until we find someone to leadoff. Aybar would be a good candidate, but he can niether get on base or steal them. If the rookies stick I could see Figgins move to the OF after Abreu leaves, or we could trade him for a power bat, but that is next year.

Anyway, obviously Brown starts in AAA and I think it couldn’t hurt Rodriguez to do the same. I think ST will be a battle for SS between Aybar and Wood. If Aybar improves his OBP and basestealling he should be our starting SS, if he cannot he could be our super-sub. Either way Wood needs to earn a role. Izzy is cool, but he just can’t stay healthy enough to be a starter.

Willits will probably be the backup OF, until GMJ gets back, then (if he has option years left) it will be back to AAA for him. So no moves needed there.

I think as far as the rotation, we’ll have Moseley, Ortega, and Loux battling for the 5th spot, unless Adenhart proves he’s ready.

Regardless, I would stand pat for now and re-evaluate at midseason.