As we approach the half-way point in the 2015, the Angels' biggest need is abundantly clear: offense. The only thing more obvious than the Angels' biggest deficiency this year is the lack of tangible solutions to the problem. Parity is at an all-time high around the league, making this one of the most seller-friendly markets in recent memory. Still, there are a handful of teams who appear to be buried in the standings, so let's scour their rosters for some tasty morsels.
Colorado Rockies
Currently sitting at 33-42, 9 games back of the Dodgers, the Rockies are actually as close to first as any last-place team in the NL. That said, their rotation is weak and it would be foolish for first-year GM Jeff Bridich to not use his first trade deadline as an opportunity to move some spare parts and build towards the future.
Stirrups already linked to one potential target in Colorado over the weekend, Justin Morneau. Concussions are no small hurdle to climb, so it's likely any team would want to see him return and prove he's still himself before agreeing to send any assets their way. Salary shouldn't be a huge factor here, as he's due only a little over $3 million the rest of the year. He has a reasonable mutual option for next year at $9 million, with a $750K buyout. At age 34, he's naturally nowhere near the hitter he was in Minnesota. His power continues to dwindle, though he has transformed himself into more of a contact hitter. Fully healthy, he provides league average offense, which I believe we would all take from the DH spot.
Milwaukee Brewers
Adam Lind is the most obvious target here and maybe the best fit for the Halos of anyone potentially available. Left-handed? Check. Consistent triple-slash line production? Check. Familiarity with the AL? Check. Team-friendly contract? Check. So what's not to like? The only thing I can see is every team looking for left-handed pop will undoubtedly turn to Milwaukee first, so the price might be beyond what DiPoto should/would pay.
Another intriguing name on their roster is Gerardo Parra. While he's basically a fourth outfielder, we don't even have a third outfielder at the moment so it would be worth kicking the tires on his availability. He's an adequate fielder who has spent time in all three outfield positions, while swinging a left-handed bat with some modest success. Nothing special, but also shouldn't cost a lot and could be a decent piece to give us options beyond Navarro, Cowgill and Joyce.
Cincinnati Reds
Jay Bruce and Marlon Byrd are the obvious targets here. The debate on Bruce has been exhausted pretty thoroughly around these parts, while Byrd is 37 and his production has been erratic over the course of his career. Do. Not. Want.
Philadelphia Phillies
Ryan Howard has cooled off and reminded us all he's still a 35 year-old Ryan Howard. Chase Utley is 36, currently on the DL and sports a .179/.257/.275 line on the season. There is some batted-ball data to suggest he's been extremely unlucky, but I'm not so sure I'd take my chances on an older player bouncing back from those depths. Ben Revere has been the most talked about player in regards to the Angels and Phillies. While he would be useful enough in this line-up, Amaro seems to think he is a franchise lead-off hitter rather than a glorified fourth-outfielder, so I'd stay away unless he can be had for a "C" prospect.
Chicago White Sox
Onto the junior circuit, where nearly every team can lay claim to still being in the hunt, the South-siders are likely to concede that their time isn't quite now and may look to move some pieces. Adam LaRoche immediately jumps off the page as a guy who would fit in and help out with some lefty pop. He is due $13 million next season, making his contract less palpable than the other listed options. He is also perhaps one of the safest bets on the board, consistently churning out positive contributions with the bat everywhere he's been. While he has struggled in his first extended exposure to the American League (.233 BA and striking out in 29.5% of his PA), his overall numbers completely dwarf those of Matt Joyce. The power is there and he still gets on base. Chicago should be glad to send him to anyone willing to eat his salary. That's no small task for DiPoto, considering how close the Angels will be to the "cap" once again next season.
Cleveland Indians
Breaking away for a moment from our "no former Rangers!" stance, we find our old friend David Murphy once again having a solid season as a platoon left fielder. Even if his .336 BA on the year is being propped up by a .367 BAbip, there are no real red flags that he is going to come crashing down. His SO%, BB%, LD%, FB/HR, etc. all remain in line with his career norms. He is still doing all the things that have made him useful in his career, namely, punishing right-handed pitching. The Indians hold a $7 million team option with a $500K buyout for next season. They think they'll be competitive any day now, so they may want to hold on to him as depth for next season. Still, it would be worth a call to see if he can be had for cheap.
There are some teams that should be sellers but aren't acting like it (Arizona and San Diego), while others, such as the Marlins, are clearly out of things but don't have any obvious pieces to move. The A's and M's should theoretically be selling, though I don't see either of them rushing to help the Angels with their dumpster diving. I mean, I'd love seeing Josh Reddick patrolling left field the next few years, but are any of you ready to move Sean Newcomb to see it happen?
Even in a seller's maket, there are pieces to be had. It's all a matter of what you're willing to sacrifice. Are any of the players listed enough to give up an arm? Any useful parts out there that I'm missing?