The Angels are looking for rotation depth and bullpen help under new GM Jerry Dipoto. Here's the latest on their search for pitching…
- C.J. Wilson will visit the Angels Monday, according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. The free agent left-hander has serveral similar visits in the works with other teams. Dipoto acknowledged this week that there's mutual interest between the Angels and Wilson.
- The Angels have a bit of interest in Hiroki Kuroda, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (on Twitter). Heyman says Kuroda will return to Japan if he can't stay in Los Angeles.
Honestly, I’d much rather have Kuroda on a 1-year deal than Wilson, at least if he’s seriously asking for 6 years… I don’t think he’ll get that anyway, but he’s still going to wind up with more money than he should.
Yeah! Sign C.J. Up baby.. anything to keep the Angels away from Albert.
I doubt you have to worry about the Angels going after Albert.
I dont know.. they missed out on a few FA last year.. Crawford as an example
Because they didn’t want to spend the money. They won’t spend double what Beltre wanted because they didn’t want to even come close in the first place.
Ya they wanted to waste it.. *cough* Wells *cough*
Crawford made it clear he wanted to sign with Boston regardless. The Angels were never that serious about signing Beltre at the price he wanted, but I think they still could’ve managed that and used the difference between his salary and Wells’ salary to add more depth. And then they’d have more flexibility this winter.
How can the Angels have both (Wilson & Kuroda)? Dipoto must not be a member of the Dan Haren Fan Club? What are these guys going to do if Haren stays have a 6 man rotation? How many starting pitchers do the Angels need?
I think it’s more of an either/or situation. Even if it wasn’t, they could still have a rotation of Weaver, Haren, Wilson, Santana, Kuroda. Williams would be a spot-starter while Chatwood and Richards spend more time in the minors.
I’d take that rotation and be quite happy. Not sure how it can be pulled off financially, but a very good rotation like this and you will contend with the Rangers. And personally, I’d hate to have to rely on Williams, Chatwood or Richards at this point.
I don’t think they intend to sign them both. It’ll be one or the other; most likely they are looking at Kuroda as a back-up plan. Although as I said, I think CJ’s price tag is going to be ridiculous; they’d be better off with a solid back-of-the rotation type pitcher like Kuroda. Or better yet, Mark Buehrle, but it sounds like half the league is in on him, so I wouldn’t count on that. Besides, signing someone like Kuroda instead of Wilson would give the Halos enough financial flexibility to still address their bullpen and catching situation.
I prefer Kuroda no matter what.. and he will come to us if Dodgers don’t resign.. Other teams will want him but he loves CA and he LOVES LA.. So Kuroda to Angels sounds just perfect to me..And more than Enough money to sign a catcher and relievers..Could prolly get 2 Relivers and a catcher.. I like this idea: Kuroda,Capps,Doumit or Ramon Hernandez,Saito (A pretty little reunion with Saito and Kuroda)
How annoying is it that we have a catching situation right now. Everytime I think about it I get so pissed. We had the solution to our catching problem and traded him. ;sdlfkja;sdkl
Have you ever heard of a trade?
No, Never!
Seriously, though if the Angels wanted to trade Haren to the Orioles, I would be all for it. The problem is, well at least for the Orioles, we really don’t have anything to offer the Angels to obtain him.
don’t worry. haren is not going to traded. he has been our co-ace.
The Angels should trade Haren to the Red Sox for Crawford so that they can have another overpaid under performing outfielder. You can never have too many of them! (and this is sarcasm for those born without the sarcasm bone)
(and this is sarcasm for those born without the sarcasm bone) <<< tell that to John W
Angel fans just should be happy to have back Marcel Lachemann. That was an under the radar move that should help the Angel pitching staff in 2012.
The Angels had the #1 AL pitching ERA in 2011. Lachemann is more likely to mess it up at this point, like he did with Jim Abbott’s mechanics when he returned to the Angels. He should be strictly a front office guy/scout from now on.
Jim Abbott now that is a name I hadn’t heard for awhile.
Anyway, you’re probable right, he should be a full-time FO and scout. Still, he will be a help.
I wonder if Abbott would make a good pitching coach.
He’s a good teacher, but his heart is with youth and kids. He currently coaches his girls basketball and volleyball teams. Not sure if he has any desire to work with adults or pros, other than spring training which he has in the past.
At this point the Angels need to do everything they can to avoid relying on players like Williams and Chatwood to hopefully work out. I’ll take both CJ and Kuroda — and if Kuroda struggles he can switch with Williams and be a spot starter/long relief. If they get both.
If the Angels could get Wilson at a reasonable price, I’m all for it. Maybe he’ll give them a discount. But if he’s insisting on ace money, I’d pass. Take the money you would give him and invest it in the bullpen (at least a reliable rh-setup man, maybe an upgrade at closer), a decent starter (Kuroda would work), and a 3b (I’m leery of A. Ramirez- can see him breaking down and playing poor defense. Maybe trade for Headley with the Padres?).
Oh yeah, they need a catcher. Too bad there is no one any good to pick up. If Ramon Hernandez is the best available, I’d stick with what we have.
I really don’t understand Angels fans infatuation with trading for Headley. Nice guy, decent eye, average glove, and the Angels would have to give up players for him. Stick with Callaspo/Izturis. They aren’t as bad as some fans think.
I agree Callaspo/Izturis isn’t too bad. You could definitely do worse. But 3b and catcher are the only places that you can add offense. I think the best 3b available that isn’t Aramis is Headley- who hits very well away from Petco. And I can’t think of anyone worth picking up in free agency that would be better than Conger or Wilson at catcher. I’d even take another year of Mathis as long as he would rotate with the 2 mentioned earlier.
Just saying Headley isn’t worth giving up prospects for. The Angels would still have to do something with Callaspo or Izturis after anyway. There are ways around the roster inflexibility. Getting “creative” or even adding a big bat like Fielder and moving Trumbo to the OF for Hunter (who would move to DH) is a possibility. Hunter and Abreu are gone after 2012 and this may be the only chance for the Angels to land a “franchise-type” bat for seasons to come. 3B is really shallow in free agency again this year. Of course it would be a lot easier if Trumbo seamlessly moved over to 3B, but that wasn’t likely under the best of circumstances and he still isn’t allowed to practice because of the stress fracture.
Catcher is a lot easier to look at. First, Mathis should be gone, like he should have been gone this same time last year. Second, Ramon Hernandez is sitting out there, as is Pudge. One year on either of those guys would be a decent investment.
you had Napoli to catch.
Wilson is worth about 5/65.
He’ll get much more than that, but I agree that his value is more of a #2-3 in the rotation.
When did you become an Angels fan? I thought you followed the Orioles?
I follow alot of teams. Mostly Orioles since I work next to the stadium, but mostly a fan of non-yankee teams.
A poor offseason doesn’t cut off that much value from him. He is still a
left hander that had an ERA of around 3 for the season, that is rare
and hard to come by, not to mention just to pick off one of your rivals best arms is reason enough.
no more then that. I would agree.
If the Angels land Kuroda (200+ IP 3.07 ERA) you’d be hard-pressed to find a better 1-4 in baseball. Tampa Bay maybe. Philadelphia has a huge drop after Hamels at 3. The Braves are up there as are the Giants. In 3 years the D-Backs will be right there as well.
you are forgetting jerome williams. he has been really good and i expect him to win the “come back player of the year” award.
What exactly is he coming back from? Dude was never relevant.
Rather have Kuroda on a 2 yr deal than a long-term deal with Wilson.
CJ Wilson is begging to be overpay of the year
… and the Angels should absolutely go for Albert
Rather have Fielder. Younger, cheaper and has been more durable.
The Angels need a bat more than pitching, but if they get Wilson they would have the best staff in baseball.
Better than Halladay, Lee, and Hamels? Doubtful
Weaver-Haren-Santana-Wilson would be arguable. Maybe not 3-3 better, but 4-3 possible.
I’m a Rangers fan so I realize this is going to sound biased, but i’m just saying as a fan in general…I really think people overrate Santana. No denying he had a great year but people speak of him as if he’s in the same league with even Felix Hernandez. Santana needs a few more years to prove himself.
NOBODY puts him in the same league as Felix Hernandez, but he’s a quality #3 or #4 (since the Angels would be likely to throw the high-priced lefty more towards the top rather than the bottom of the rotation). If anything, Santana is UNDERRATED throughout baseball, and that’s according to people inside the game.
Santi is actually very underrated… And when he focus’s on every pitch he is one of the best in the game..
I really think Santana and John Smoltz should have a conversation. Smoltz had the same issues his first few seasons and even “experimented” on the mound because he was bored more or less. Smoltz had Maddux and Glavine to learn pitch concentration from and I think that could really help Santana find that missing consistency.
Agreed.Santi is a beast but he isn’t consistent on concentration..I mean look at August 17- June..With the exception of one game Santi really looked like the pitcher that he is and why Angels got him..Guys a beast
That’s what i’m talking about. You could say the same thing about any pitcher with potential in the majors.
If he just focuses, concentrates, and basically “plays up to maximum potential” he could be one of the best in the game…is what you’re saying?
I hear that statement about every pitcher with something to prove. It sounds like what a manager says about his young pitcher before he has an important start.
No, not all pitchers have the same “potential” or ability or pitches and struggle because of a lack of focus. Some pitchers just struggle because of a lack of a certain pitch to get guys out. Some pitchers struggle because they get tired more easily and can’t maintain their stuff for the innings required. Some guys just don’t have the mental fortitude to succeed. Santana is NONE of these. Santana can maintain 95MPH the whole game, has a devastating slider and a better than average changeup. He just has lapses where he seems to just “go through the motions” and not deliver each pitch with a purpose and focus. COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. See my John Smoltz comment above.
Also see Santi’s Stats August 17- June..BEAST! and not all pitchers have same potential..Your a ranger fan so for example Matt Harrison or w/e his name is he just sucks he don’t have potential and he lacks everything….Santi doesn’t lack anything like JcHc said Santi doesn’t deliver each pitch with a purpose and focus..If he did this more often Angels would receive more of August 17-June type of stats and with more no-Hitters..I personnaly think that he is best Pitcher Angels have if he can put in more focus through each pitch..I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets another No-No next year..
angels need to convert trumbo to 3rd base,trade for ianetta,sign fielder,and finally get a relief pitcher and starting pitcher
Have to get his foot healthy first.
WE WANT FIELDER!! NOT PITCHING!! THERE ARE NO BATS LIKE FIELDER HITTING FA IN YEARS!! SIGN PRINCE FIELDER YOU STUPID SOB’S
I think this is the longest any thread has gone without you saying “WE WANT FIELDER”… It’s a new record!
I wouldn’t mind having him, either… But I Just can’t see the Angels meeting his price tag…
Unfortunately. The Angels could really use him as the new “face of the franchise” after Hunter leaves after 2012. Gotta find somebody to market the club around and give fans a reason to renew season tickets that are getting more expensive by the year.
their hoping trout will be that face
That’s at least 3-4 years down the road. Where is he next season, and Trout is more of a run-creator type hitter. Where is the run-PRODUCTION going to come from?
so what you are saying is the “Face” of a franchise has to be a run producer and can’t be a run creator?
Weaver is the FACE of this franchise NOW and next year…
It helps. Eckstein and Erstad weren’t the face of the franchise. Salmon was, and Baylor and Grich before him, and Vlad and Hunter after. Not to mention that Trout is WAY too young to put that kind of pressure and expectations on him. The Angels still need a run-PRODUCER no matter what anyway, aside from “face of the franchise” issue.
A starting pitcher who pitches every 5 days isn’t going to sell season tickets. Example: Nolan Ryan. Angels need more than him, unless he can hit on the days he doesn’t pitch.
and w/ Prince they will get even HIGHER….any $20m+/yr will cause that….so by getting “your guy” you are raising the prices you dont’ want raised….
$30+ million comes off the payroll after next season when Hunter and Abreu leave. I didn’t say I didn’t want tickets raised. I am saying that fans need a reason to renew when the prices are raised.
Yup Kuroda for days.. Id take Kuroda any day over Cj’s stupid Contract he is seeking…
With all the money coming off the books after 2012 I don’t think it’ll be that much of an issue. We have a lot of free agents after ’12 so DiPito will have a lot of room to make some major changes and find good depth at the right price.
Signing Kuroda for 1 year gives halos lot more depth and there is no doubt that Kuroda will stop doing what he has been doing.. Cj prolly gets the big money and just stops like many other picky FA’s..Signing Kuroda Angels can get 2 relievers and a catcher instead of Cj+1 reliver or a catcher..So Angels get help for Starting rotation,Pen,and catcher..3 better than 2
Need to look beyond this 1 year…..Santana is a FA after ’12…Haren also is a FA unless the pick up his opt…
’12 Weaver/Haren/CJ/Santana/Williams
’13 Weaver/Haren(pick up option)/CJ 2 spots to fill
or go
’12 Weaver/Haren/Santana/Kuroda/Williams
’13 Weaver/Haren(pick up option) 3 spots to fill
Now I’m not a fan of over paying for CJ but if they can sign him to Weaver $$$ lite 5/$75-$80m then the staff will look good for years a head….
Considering this Org builds around pitching and defense I see them getting a SP before a “big bat”
and the fact that RK made about Aybar/Kendrick/Izzy/Torii are all FA’s after ’12….
I’m also not opposed to going after Kuroda if CJ’s price ends up being the speculated $100m or more then 5yrs
Ya ya i agree if they can sign CJ for 5/$75-$80m ..Then its good to go forget about Kuroda but its more than likely that the price will go above that and i don’t want halos to be stuck with a huge contract that who knows if the pitcher lives up to his contract..And the 5th spot won’t be Williams it will Chat..and i think the Angels will resign Santi..he is so important to the staff and i don’t see them getting rid of Santi for at least 4 more years
If the Angels can pull off signing CJ, it would give them a solid core in their rotation they can continue to build around now that they’ve signed Weaver to an extension. They would then have the choice of exercising options for Haren and Santana after 2012, and even extending both. Then, they can focus more on offense and bullpen when Kendrick, Aybar, Izturis, Mathis (if he’s still there) among others hit free agency after ’12. Lots of money coming off the books so this would actually be a good move, as would a franchise bat.
Yea