Becoming the Best in the West

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Hi guys.

First time posting. Grew up in the Edmonds/Salmon/Finley era. Excited to talk Halos.

With the recent (likely) addition of Darvish to the Rangers’ lineup, my feelings about the Angels’ potential moves have grown stronger. I think the team is 2 moves away from elite status. Because the Angels have already broken the bank for the year, I figure why not go all out and try to grab it all right away? I think they need one more right-handed bullpen arm and a power bat to protect Pujols/add depth to the order.

I have two scenarios. They are both reasonable (in my mind), although I know the teams involved haven’t expressed an interest in the moves. Just wanted to see what people thought. Please don’t kill me if these have been touched on before (the recent David Wright-poster mugging had me questioning whether to even try). I’m going to assume the Angels’ salary is around $163M before the trades (based on my quick addition – I saw a number on another post at $160M), so I will keep the final salary under the $178M luxury tax for 2012.

Scenario 1:

Angels Get: Ryan Zimmerman ($12M 2012 Salary), Roger Bernadina ($400k 2012 salary)

Nationals Get: Mark Trumbo, Peter Bourjos

Angels proposed lineup (my 2012 projections):

CF Trout (.285/18 HR/52 RBI/32 SB)

2B Kendrick (.320/15 HR/61 RBI)

1B Pujols (.315/41 HR/117 RBI)

3B Zimmerman (.305/30 HR/105 RBI)

DH Morales (.290/26 HR/88 RBI)

RF Hunter (.275/21 HR/75 RBI)

LF Wells (.260/28 HR/80 RBI)

C Ianetta (.240/15 HR/58 RBI)

SS Aybar (.287/5 HR/44 RBI)

Why this helps Halos: Pretty clear. The Angels get a gold glove 3B and a left-handed outfield bat. I don’t think Bernadina is a must, but he would add some good bench speed and another left handed bat, which the Angels need (especially because the second half of this scenario includes moving Abreu). Zimmerman is signed through 2013 ($14M in 2013) and, I think, the Angels could likely extend him. He provides protection for Pujols for years to come. Further, Trout will be able to step in right away. Yeah, he’ll take his lumps, but every player does and has to learn to overcome it. Also, he is our best leadoff option – great speed, high OBP. I’d miss Bourjos, but you have to give some to get some. You are gambling a bit that Morales could get back to DH, but Callaspo is a proven commodity that could step into the DH role if Morales is struggling (also, Cron could possibly/hopefully be ready sooner than later if necessary).

Why it helps Nats: Anthony Rendon is waiting in the wings. The kid will be a star and is probably on the fast track to getting there. The Nats have been looking for a center fielder and their 1B was split between Michael Morse (who did have a good year) and Andy LaRoche (kidding me?). They could use a solid young 1B. Trumbo plays good D and provides power.

Angels get: Evan Meek ($461k)

Pirates get: Bobby Abreu + $5M cash

Angels are getting a solid right handed reliever to bolster the back of the game. I’d love to see the Halos go after a Madson/Cordero type, but they are probably too expensive. Let’s just say that I don’t trust Walden in the 7th game with a playoff series on the line.

Final scenario 1 salary: $170M (approx)

Scenario 2:

Angels get: Mike Moustakas ($400k) OR Alex Gordon ($1.4M in 2011), Joakim Soria ($6M)

Royals get: Trumbo, Bourjos

This would help the Angels to fill their 3B position. The Royals could move Gordon back to his original 3B (where he was solid defensively) and put Bourjos in CF. Because Moustakas isn’t established by any means, I think the Angels could pull off the move to get Soria. Soria, is under contract for 3 more years, and the Angels could hold him for a year while they groom Walden a little more and then try to move Soria. The Royals are looking to move Soria right now.

Scenario 2 final salary: $169M at most.

Scenario 2 possible batting order:

CF Trout (.285/18 HR/52 RBI/32 SB)

2B Kendrick (.320/15 HR/61 RBI)

1B Pujols (.315/36 HR/102 RBI)

DH Morales (.290/29 HR/97 RBI)

RF Hunter (.275/21 HR/75 RBI)

LF Wells (.260/28 HR/80 RBI)

3B Moustakas (.272/22 HR/83 RBI)/Gordon (.295/24 HR/82 RBI) – might move to 6th in order to put lefty between Hunter/Wells.

C Ianetta (.240/15 HR/58 RBI)

SS Aybar (.287/5 HR/44 RBI)

If Morales can’t play, put Abreu in at DH, hitting after Wells. This is a right handed heavy lineup, but the Angels would have Callaspo, Abreu, and Izturis ready from the left side.

I’d love to hear feedback. Talking Angels’ baseball gets me excited for the year and twitter can only get me so far. Thanks for listening. Go Halos.