With the recent addition of Cliff Lee to the Texas Rangers, the Angels front office should take notice, sure up, and counter.  At the moment I write this post, the Angels are only 4.5 games back with 72 games back.  That is plenty of time for the Angels to make a run and overtake the Rangers atop the AL West.. First on the Angels wish list should be to obtain a proven major league bat.

      1.  The Angels should acquire Prince Fielder from the Brewers.

                                          Prince Fielder

   After a slow start Prince has picked up the pace and is currently sportinga line of .266 AVG 19 HR 38 RBI .396 OBP.  He is also currently signed through 2011 season.  As it stands now, the Angels could insert him right at first base and occasionally at dh.  It would be an instant upgrade over Mike Napoli/ Paul McAnulty.  After Prince takes over for Napoli at first, Napoli can then shift back to catcher for an ineffective Mathis.  It's safe to say that Aldridge, McAnulty, Franseden are not getting the job done (who ever thought they would ever get the job done). This will cost them a boatload of prospects, but the extra offense is greatly needed.  Maybe even Brandon Wood will finally get shipped out?! That being said the Angels lineup would look a lot better with Fielder's addition.

1. Erick Aybar SS
2. Howie Kendrick2B/ Bobby Abreu RF
3. Torii Hunter CF
4. Prince Fielder 1B
5. Hideki Matusi DH/LF
6. Howie Kendrick 2B/Bobby Abreu RF
7. Juan Rivera LF
8. Mike Napoli C
9. Kevin Franseden (When Maceir comes back 3B could actually be productive!)

Looking past the 2010 season has to be under consideration since Fielder is signed through 2011. It also intrigues me as a fan, with the idea of Prince Fielder and Kendry Morales teaming up in 2011.  I would probably let Mastusi walk after the end of the season.  This provides for more flexibility in the lineup.  Prince and Kendry could switch off between 1st and DH.  Kendry could also play the outfield a couple of days to spell Abreu or Rivera a day and stick Fielder at first and Abreu/Rivera at DH.  To put a lineup like this would be quite formidable.

1. Erick Aybar SS
2. Howie Kendrick 2B/Bobby Abreu RF
3. Torii Hunter CF
4. Kendry Morales 1B
5. Prince Fielder    DH
6. Bobby Abreu  RF/Howie Kendrick 2B
7. Juan Rivera LF
8. Mike Napoli C
9. Maceir Izturis 3B/ Offseason acquisition?

Now if only the Angels front office were listening.  The Angels need to make in a move.  Don't get me wrong, the Angels could very well win the division without any help.  But why take chances when you could make a deal.  With Cliff Lee looming, the Rangers have filled one of their holes, now its time for the Angels to fill theirs.  Failure is not an option. The fans of Anaheim have had the same expectations the last 6 years, a World Series Title.  Anything else is bust.  Just do something different to make Arlington squirm.