Angels assistant general manager Steve Martone revealed some of the team’s infield plans in an interview with Jim Bowden and Jim Duquette of Sirius XM Radio on Sunday, noting that second base is their biggest need area (Twitter links).
“Second base is more of a priority with our club than any other positions,” said Martone, who added that the Halos’ aim at third is to platoon the left-handed hitting Luis Valbuena with a right-handed bat.
The fact that the Angels are prioritizing the keystone isn’t surprising, considering the nightmarish output they received at the position last season. Only two teams had a worse fWAR at second than the Angels’ minus-0.3, which was largely the result of the horrid .207/.274/.318 slash line that Danny Espinosa, Cliff Pennington, Brandon Phillips, Kaleb Cowart, Nick Franklin and Nolan Fontana produced. The club is reportedly considering Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler and free agents Neil Walker and Zack Cozart to man the position in 2018. Other potential targets could include Howie Kendrick (an ex-Angel) and Eduardo Nunez via free agency, and trade candidates in Dee Gordon (Marlins) and Cesar Hernandez (Phillies). The Angels previously showed interest in both Gordon and Hernandez.
Should the Angels remain true to their word at the hot corner, it would rule out a pursuit of Los Angeles native Mike Moustakas in free agency. Righty-swingers in Kinsler, Nunez, Cozart or Todd Frazier could team with Valbuena, though all four are overqualified to serve on the short side of a platoon. The right-handed Yunel Escobar, the Angels’ primary third baseman from 2016-17 and now a free agent, may be a more realistic option if the two sides are interested in staying together. He and Valbuena worked in tandem to mediocre results last season.
With Valbuena apparently in line to play third next season, it’s unclear what the Angels will do at first base. C.J. Cron looks like the in-house front-runner to occupy the position, but he hasn’t been particularly effective since debuting in 2014. As such, the Halos could attempt to upgrade over Cron in free agency with Eric Hosmer, Carlos Santana, Logan Morrison, Lucas Duda, Yonder Alonso or Frazier (Santana and Duda are already on their radar). Hosmer and Santana will collect the largest paydays of the group, and because the two rejected qualifying offers, signing either would cost the Angels their second-highest draft pick in 2018 (No. 56 overall) and $500K of international bonus pool money.
Sign Logan Morrison, trade for Hernandez, and sign Todd Frazier
I would want Moustakus but he’s a boras client. Not sure the angels have the prospects for Hernandez, I would trade for Dee Gordon, they won’t have to give up much if they take on all his contract.
The Angels haven’t had an opening day payroll above the mid-160s but if they’re willing to go into the mid 170s they’ll have about $35 million to spend. That’s a healthy number but they have a bunch of needs.
I agree on Gordon. The Phillies aren’t looking for what the Angels have to trade. Gordon could be had for some mid-level pitching if the Angels take the whole deal. Hernandez figures to make half of what Gordon is getting paid. Getting him would mean spending another $5 million plus elsewhere.
Gordon would be the perfect lead off guy and it would slide trout to the three spot, where he belongs. I think they need to put pujols in the 5th or 6th and upton clean up.
I like Gordon too, but I’d still bat Trout 2nd and Upton 3rd. Trout and Upton are both dangerous with the running threat and pitchers have to throw strikes.
The Angels should have the pieces to make a move for Gordon.
Moustakes would be a bad signing, he’s got bust written all over him, he’s not athletic so he wont age well and will have injuries, he’s already slower than Pujols, his defense is below average at best, and he’s had 1 good season in a year where the ball was flying off the bat all over the league
Well said
Have you ever watched him play? He is above average defensively and has been above average offensively beginning in 2015. His freak collision what had started out as an excellent 2016.
You are wrong on every point about Moose, especially how slow he is. Granted, he is no speed demon, but saying he is slower than Pujols is a joke.
But the fact that he’s tied to a 2nd rounder and 500k of international signage money is an absolute no for me
Ditto. Moose is just another Albert waiting to happen.
He’s a guy who has trouble getting on base and isn’t that good defensively. He’s definitely got bust written on him
I agree that Dee Gordon is the best match, all things considered. And if Miami is really intent upon unloading salaries, the Angels could ask for Prado too, and use him as the short side of a platoon with Valbuena at 3b.
Gordon brings a plus glove and elite speed to the top of the order, and I don’t see any other leadoff candidates that match him. I’m aware of Gordon’s history but he could be a great table-setter with the bunt, all-fields hitting, and speed!
I suppose a move for Gordon would leave the club enough $$ for a mid-tier first baseman, and Cron could be shifted for pitching depth.
I would have to think that Jeter and crew would be thrilled to send Prado and Gordon to the Angels, particularly if the Angels took on the salaries. Shouldn’t cost very much in prospects.
If Angels can afford it (prospectwise), that should be a solid move. The hardest part of that lot is Hernandez, whom the Phils are under no pressure to deal, save for a good haul in prospects, which Angels cannot afford for now.
Why in the world would you want Todd Frazier? he would give you the same output (probably worst) as Valbuena but would cost more than him…that would be foolish..stick with Valbuena at 3B for 2018, he’ll give you 25+ HRs hitting 8th in the lineup and then focus on signing Machado next offseason….I agree with signing Morrison, though I would only go for Hernandez if the cost of the trade wasn’t too much, he’s not worth giving up good prospects, I’d rather get Kinsler for cheap on a trade and then look to next years market
It will be sad if the one of the great players of all time passes his prime years without going to a WS. I understand the infield issues with Anaheim are huge, but the starting pitching was a bit of a dumpster fire in 2017 also; the highest WAR produced by any starter was by Parker Bridwell, who only pitched half the season and struck out a paltry 5.4/9. Trout (and Simmons, who quietly produced an MVP-caliber campaign in 2017) deserve better.
They have the depth of the rotation if everyone is healthy , But they lack a legit ace like Darvish or Arrieta. I think Lance Lynn would be the perfect pitcher for them. They need a second basemen and somebody for third.
The talent of the rotation is great…injuries however are the issue, if they all stay healthy then they will make the playoffs
angels got greedy with offense and forgot pitching wins the WS. They are still kicking themselves for signing Hamilton.
Angels can have Kinsler…then ask to mentor his possible minor league replacement or switch infield positions and watch the the fun as he refuses to be a team player and turns into a prima donna.
Maybe they’ll be competent and not ask him to move for inferior players
They can always trade for Jason Kipnis
Resign Petit, Norris, and Revere. Sign Tony Watson and Neil Walker. Boom the Angels could possibly win 90 games if the rotation is healthy
I still think they should sign lance lynn, no need for an ace if richards is back to his ace form.
Norris was god awful in the 2nd half, Tony Watson has been declining and Neil Walker is not the answer at 2B
They should win more than 90 if they get a really good 2b and most importantly everyone stays healthy.
Chances of Richards returning to ace form is pretty slim. However, if you’re claiming lance Lynn is an ace, you’re wrong. But we don’t really have a need for a guy like Lance Lynn who is more of a #2 or #3 starter. And we’ve got about 7 guys who are #2 or #3 starters. The question is, will they be healthy? I think if they are to sign a starter, it should be Chris Tillman. Bounce back candidate and he’s from Anaheim. Or maybe even a reunion with Hector Santiago or Jhoulys Chacin. However, I think we should be fine if everyone is healthy…
Richards
Bridwell
Heaney
Skaggs
Shoemaker
Ramirez
Tropeano
We don’t have an ace, but all of them have shown at one point in their careers that they are #2 or #3 type material
Lance Lynn is a solid number 2 or 3, but he’s a bulldog and has the postseason experience, something the angels lack in the rotation.
Considering Garrett was lights out at the end of the season with no issues.. the chances of him returning to form are alot bigger than “slim”
Isn’t Gordon a former PEDs user? Why would even consider him???
Because he hit.308 with 60 stolen bases and won a gold glove last year…..just because he WAS a PED user doesn’t mean he still is or that they shouldn’t sign him
This^^^
He’s now proved that he’s a very good 2B/Leadoff hitter. He’d feel right at home with Trout batting behind him (because Stanton hit behind him most of the year in ’17)
I hope the Marlins keep him, or send him & Stanton to the same team…but that’s doubtful. Rumors were floating around that The Giants offered that, but other reports said that was false.
Neil walker fits the angels needs perfectly. It almost makes too much sense. Decent avg, good obp, decent pop. Switch hitter. His only knock is defense.
2b – Padres Solarte, or Pirates Harrison in trade; Neil Walker FA
3b – Colin Moran Houston in trade
4th OF’er — Austin Jackson FA
Colin Moran is a really good 3B who is blocked in Houston. On base machine, huge guy. Wonder what the ‘Stros would want.
Santana and Hosmer should be priorities, if you cant sign either of them then go after Morrison for a 1-2 year deal
Trade for Kinsler and have him play 2B for 2018, then look towards the 2019 market for a long term replacement or see how prospect David Fletcher is doing and maybe he can be the long term option
Keep Valbuena at 3B for the season, he’ll give you 25 plus HRs batting 7th or 8th with pretty good defense, then focus everything on signing Machado next offseason
Sign an above average UT guy who can play 3B and take over for Valbuena for really tough LHPs, my vote is Howie Kendrick, or Adam Rosales if budget is tight
Trade Cron for pitching
Sign Chris Iannetta as backup C
resign Petit, sign Jake McGee or Boone Logan, and take a look at Drew Storen for the bullpen
Hosmer likely won’t be worth the contract.
What kind of pitching do you expect the angels can get for cron? Drew storen had Tommy John
Cron has zero trade value.
He in going to first year of arbitration when he will cost $millions for the first time. I think Angels fans need to prepare for possibility he will be DFA’d, instead of paying him a few million to be mediocre and recidivist. He is no better a hitter at the end of his third season than his first, and basically average defensively. He can easily be replaced by a cheap FA who will cost slightly more with better performance.
Sadly I think that’s true but maybe some team thinks they can resurrect him.
The Angels will release Cron before he has his arb hearing if they’re able to sign a competent 1B first. Not Hosmer or Santana—just someone who can get a hit better than 1 out of every 4 AB, take a walk every now and then, and snag the throws to 1B. Cron doesn’t play well enough to be worth $3M when a decent FA could be signed for not appreciably more.
Kendrick can’t play 3rd. He’s can’t really stick def at 2nd anymore. He’s more of a bat 1st LF at this point.
Sign Moustakis for 3b, Lucas Duda for 1b and trade for Jonathan Villar for 2b and Chris Tillman to the rotation
Angels should roughly have about 50 million to spend to be safely under the luxury tax of 197 million in AAV for 2018.
Trade for Dee Gordon from Miami to play second base , pay full contract about 10 million AAV for 3 years. A mid-level prospect or two should do the deal since Miami is trying to cut their payroll to 90 million for 2018.
Sign Todd Frazier 3 years 33 million ( MLB TR) to play 3rd base. Solid defender, power and good OBP huge clubhouse guy and friends with Trout….
Sign Carlos Santana 3 years 45 million (MLB TR) to play 1B . solid defender, good bat, good OBP.
Try and trade Valbuena and Cron for payroll relief or keep Valbuena as backup for 1st, 2nd, 3rd . Cron or Valbuena might net a lower level minor league player and some payroll relief.
Gordon
Frazier
Trout
Upton
Santana
Pujols
Calhoun
Simmons
Maldonado
This will leave plenty of payroll under the luxury tax threshold to add any players during the season if necessary.
They should win more than 90 if they get a really good 2b and most importantly everyone stays healthy. I like all of this except Frazier. Overrated player. Same with Walker, sure he swing hits, but is mediocre both ways and injury prone. I’m heavy on the Dee Gordon trade.
Frazier is a all or nothing hitter. The Angels need a guy who can hit at least 260 to play third. Not a 210 hitter. The Angels already have too many all or nothing hitters. That is why the offense was so horrible this last season. I would rather see this as the lineup next season,
Nunez
Calhoun
Trout
Upton
Longoria
Santana
Pujols
Simmons
Maldonado
Bench Cowart, Bourjos, Valbuena and Jackson
I dont understand the fascination with Frazier…all the signs point to him being mediocre going on into the future
Evan Longoria might be a good choice for third base. If the Rays do trade away their starting pitching, he might ask for a trade. He is from southern California, he would allow the Angels the opportunity to have their first legitimate third baseman since Glause. Sign Nunez to play second and be the lead off hitter. Then get a stop gap for first base on a two or three year deal. Preferably a left handed power hitter which the Angels desperately need. Then sure up the pitching.
Longoria is owed 86 million dollars in salary through 2023, Angels already have one Pujols type contract to weigh them down …. Frazier 3.0 war in 2017 was better than Longoria’s 2.5 and is a better defender and according to (MLB TR) would only require a 3 year commitment of around 33 million. Plus the Rays would like some of the Angels minor league players for a trade.
Gordons batting average was .289 with 64 stolen bases and a 3.3 war in his last year with the Dodgers … In 2017 with Miami he hit .303 with 60 stolen bases and a 3.3 war. He is not a super star but he is what the Angels need a strong fielding 2nd baseman that can lead off and has tons of speed.
Nunez has never been a everyday player at one position, injury prone and is a sub par defender at best …
Moose seems like he wants to become a angel the problem is his agent if his price gets to high might as well sign hosmer who is the better player and trade cron. I don’t think Hernandez is a possibility the angels have a very weak system but the good thing is the second base market is pretty deep I still think we will not platoon at third or second base the angels always do this than they end up making a move no one expects.
Moose has publicly stated his first two choices is to stay with Kansas City his second is the Angels. With the history between Borris and Arte Moreno, that is the only complication I see happening.
Agreed I think arte needs to stay out of player negations .I think he past two major moves have crippled us mainly the Hamilton deal who only played 100+ games over 5 seasons with us. I think he is trying to be George Steinbrenner but doesn’t take Baseball advice I would love moose but I also don’t think he will be cheap he will easily be 18-20 million a year. I think second is a huge problem as well we have money to spend I think if arte wants to win he needs to spend the money to get moose and Dee Gordon who would require us to take most of his contract. These moves will allow us 3 seasons to fill out farm system just Incase trout leaves we won’t have a lot of rebuilding to do.
I would rather bring in Nunez over trading for Gordon. The Marlins would ask for Jones. Gordon isn’t worth Jones. Not when they can get Nunez for around the same salary per year. Without giving up prospects.
I don’t think Gordon will cost us a top prospect as long as we take most of his contract I know Miami is wanting to dump salary I think it would cost us a prospect around 25-30 in our system or even a non ranked prospect
Gordon was a 240 hitter with the Dodgers. Which would be a lot closer to what he would hit with the Angels. And if you combine the fact that he was getting more fast balls because he was hitting in front of Stanton, with the fact that hitters batting averages always gone down going from the NL to the AL. Why give up anything at all for a guy that is over paid like he is? Unless it’s for that Cuban SS that Dipsnot over paid for. Who can’t even hit 200 in rookie ball. Nunez would be a 260 hitter and won’t cost any prospects.
It isn’t that Moreno gets involved with the negotiations, beyond the level any owner whose money is on the line would be involved.
It’s that Boras always drags out the negotiations for weeks, plays side against side. Moreno’s avowed negotiation style is to make the best offer and put it on the table. If there are grounds for negotiation at that point, it can be fine tuned and a deal can be closed. But it is quick and to the point.
Meanwhile, teams need to resolve other issues and need to either make the deal or walk. Boras will present Moustakas as a left-handed Beltre worthy of 5-7 guaranteed years, when in fact he’s a barely above-average 3B who will cost a draft pick in addition to tens of millions of dollars.
He’s not worth it. Keep Valbuena at 3B platoon and blow the budget next Winter on Machado, a younger and more talented option for investment as 3B.
The Marlins might ask for Jones but will trade Gordon to us without getting Jones.
How about Yolmer Sanchez?
That’s what i was thinking…
Everyone think Gordon isn’t going to cost much because of his salary. Which I say is complete B.S. dude is the best lead off hitter in the game.. I don’t care if he cost 10 or 15 million, he is the type of player that deserves that money. He is going to cost the angels of their top 3 prospects, and possibly another lower end prospect. I would love to have Gordon, but I doubt Miami is going to sell short. So my second option would be Nunez, but that’s another right handed hitter… let’s go with Neil Walker, resign Ben Revere, and maybe, just maybe, if moustakas is willing to go for 15 million per year, then screw Walker, go for Moose and Nunez.
I wouldn’t touch Gordon and that salary. Gordon was a 240 hitter with the Dodgers. Translate that with his numbers decreasing from the NL to the AL. Along with him seeing less fast balls if he was with the Angels. He isn’t worth a top 3 prospect. Nunez could do the same job for less per year. Moustakas should be the top priority. Revere I wouldn’t mind. Move Calhoun to first base, Upton to right and have Revere play left and lead off.
I think the chi sox like Yolmer. Garcia and Abreu would be moved before they move Yolmer