Roster Squeeze for Angels

The LA Times points out a sticky situation:

The roster move the Angels make to activate infielder Maicer Izturis, who began a rehabilitation assignment at Rancho Cucamonga Monday, is not as clear-cut as it seems.

Reserve outfielder Nathan Haynes is the logical choice to be sent to triple-A Salt Lake, but even though Haynes made his major league debut last week, he is out of minor league options because he was removed from the Angels’ 40-man roster three times during his minor league career.

It’s a classic problem for teams: they want to keep a player like Haynes (of course), but at the same time, would it really be that big of a deal?  If Haynes were going to turn into anything, he probably would’ve right now, so they’d basically be putting a reserve outfielder at risk in the middle of his career-best hot streak. 

That said, the Times recommends a couple other courses of action.  Erick Aybar could be demoted, which makes plenty of sense, since he and Izturis are somewhat redundant.  Also, Shea Hillenbrand could be axed.  That makes even more sense, because if Haynes really is worth hanging onto, it stands to reason that he could outhit Hillenbrand’s vomit-inducing 241/261/324 line.

(Side note: when you can be accused of having an "empty" .241 batting average, you suck.  It’s that simple.)

So, let’s say Shea goes back on the market.  Do I hear any bids?  Cash considerations?  A single-A backup catcher?

…

That’s what I was afraid of.

By Jeff Sackmann
Brew Crew Ball