L.A. Times: Angels Inquire About Ramirez, Tracy, Ensberg

We’ve heard Miguel Tejada as well as various mid-tier firstbasemen bandied about as possible trade targets for Bill Stoneman and the Angels.  Mike DiGiovanna’s article for the Los Angeles Times today also indicates that the Halos could pursue various slugging third basemen.

Specifically, DiGiovanna mentions that the Angels have inquired about Aramis Ramirez, Chad Tracy, and Morgan Ensberg.

Ramirez is on fire, hitting .329/.391/.763 this month with nine home runs.  What some folks may not realize is that Ramirez has every reason and the ability to test the free agent market this winter.  He would most certainly top the money he’d make staying with the Cubs under his current contract.  Ramirez has said he wants to stay in Chicago, so we’ll see.

The Angels would have to offer an excellent young player to pry Tracy away from Arizona.  The 26 year-old has slipped a bit to .279/.343/.454 this season, which is below average for his position.  Still he’s locked up for $13.25MM for 2007-09.  That’s more than fair value.

Ensberg turns 31 next month, yet free agency is still a few years off.  He hit the DL on July 10th with a shoulder contusion.  After a torrid April, Ensberg hit just .194/.355/.382.  The Padres have also expressed interest, but this acquisition would be a gamble.