For the second off-season, SBNation is conducting a simulation where one person from each MLB site will act as their team's general manager. Last year the sim ran during the winter meetings, but in order to avoid removing focus from the real meetings, the sim will start Monday and run through the week.
Last season, the Angels had basically the same needs as they do heading into 2014, so I focused on acquiring some pitching, both starting and relieving. Also like last season, Mark Trumbo was my biggest trade chip in acquiring that pitching. Hopefully, unlike last year's sim, the deal I make doesn't turn out to be as horrible:
Traded Mark Trumbo to the Philadelphia Phillies for SP Vance Worley and SP Tyler Cloyd
Worley, after being dealt to the real-life Minnesota Twins, started the season as their opening day starter. That was the highlight of his season as he compiled a 7.21 ERA in 48.1 inning before being sent to triple-A. The former Long Beach State pitcher's triple-A season was a little better, but not good enough to earn a return to the majors.
Tyler Cloyd's season was worse. After a poor showing with Philadelphia's triple-A team, Cloyd was designated for assignment and claimed by the Cleveland Indians.
Jerry Dipoto must have been paying attention as he also traded for Seattle's Jason Vargas, however his deal turned out to be much better than mine:
Traded Garrett Richards and Hank Conger to the Seattle Mariners for SP Jason Vargas
I did manage to make a couple of good transactions, strengthening the bullpen by signing the dominating Koji Uehara and serviceable Matt Lindstrom and Jonathan Broxton, while adding Joe Saunders to the rotation. Those moves turned out to be better and cheaper than the real-life signings of Joe Blanton, Ryan Madsen, and Sean Burnett. Eric Chavez was added to boost performance at third base and add some depth to the infield, while Ichiro Suzuki was signed to replace Trumbo in the outfield. Here's a link to last season's write-up and final roster: 2013 General Manager Simulation
For 2014, the goal will be the same; acquire pitching by either trading Trumbo or Peter Bourjos, get some bullpen help, and possibly add some depth to both the major and minor league clubs through trades or low-cost free agent signings. All that and remain under the imposed $151 million dollar budget (the current payroll sits at $127M, but that doesn't include any of the arbitration eligible players.)
First order of business will be attempting to sign Masahiro Tanaka (the posting fee and contract have already been submitted). Second, non-tendering both Tommy Hanson and J.C. Gutierrez, and offering arbitration to the remaining eligible players. After that, I'm going to play it by ear. Any suggestions?