By Eric Denton
Angelswin.com Senior Writer
After a few hiccups The Los Angeles Angels and Tampa Bay Rays have officially agreed to a trade that sends left handed pitcher Scott Kazmir to Anaheim for minor leagues Alexander Torres, Matthew Sweeney and a player to be named later.
“We’re very excited about the player that we can’t name yet” Rays manager Joe Maddon said.
Per the rules of Major League Baseball, the Angels and Rays have up to six months to decide on the player (which seems to have happened) and the player must change leagues (from Single A to Double A, or Triple A to MLB). So let the speculation begin.
The Angels rotation receives a much needed boost with the addition of the veteran pitcher. Kazmir is in the first year of a three year $28.5 million dollar contract.
Kazmir is 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA overall this season. However he’s pitched much better post All-Star break going 4-2, 4.41ERA. Maybe more importantly are his numbers against potential playoff match ups are thus.
vs. Boston this season: 2-0, 3.27
vs. New York this season: 2-0, 2.63
vs. Texas this season: 1-1, 2.92
Alexander Torres a 21 year old left handed pitcher was 13-4, 2.74 ERA between the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes and Arkansas Travelers.
Matthew Sweeney is a 21 year old third baseman hitting .296 9 HR 44 RBI for the Quakes.
The acquisition also give the Angels some protection in case John Lackey leaves the Angels via free agency this winter. Los Angeles will have Kazmir, Joe Saunders, Ervin Santana & Jered Weaver all under club control through at least 2011.
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