Are the Angels and Red Sox potential trade partners? This is based on nothing but my own hypothesis, but it appears as though it could be a mutually beneficial deal.

Ervin Santana, while he does possess plenty of upside, has proven to be quite a volatile pitcher over his Angels career. His age (29) and his proven talent would make him an appealing trade target for a contender in need to rotation help.

WIth Garrett Richards displaying his ability to pitch at the major league level, Ervin Santana could become disposable. A rotation anchored by Jered Weaver, Dan Haren, and CJ Wilson can take a team very far, regardless of who pitches on days four and five. Jerome Williams and Garrett Richards would likely provide above-average production for those positions, anyways.

With all due respect to Alberto Callaspo, third base is a position where the Angels could afford to upgrade offensively. Though Youkilis is undoubtedly on the downside of his career, he brings offensive upside and World Series experience to a team that hopes to win the title this season.

Say what you will about his injury risk, it is a gamble the Halos can afford to take with capable replacements Callaspo and Izturiz on the bench.

Imagine rolling out this sort of lineup down the stretch:

CF - Mike Trout

RF - Torii Hunter

1B - Albert Pujols

DH - Kendrys Morales

LF - Mark Trumbo

3B - Kevin Youkilis

2B - Howie Kendrick

C - Chris Ianetta

SS - Erick Aybar

I think the addition of Youkilis far outweighs the loss of Santana. If it doesn't work out, Youkilis can leave as a free agent this winter.

But if it does work, the Angels would have a championship caliber offense that could truly rival the Texas Rangers, while still boasting one of the most fearsome rotations in baseball.