The December 8, 2015 edition of Los Angeles Angels news includes the trade market for Halos starting pitching heating up, a hard-throwing reliever getting claimed off waivers, and more Winter Meetings fare…
The Story: Angels shopping C.J. Wilson to several teams
MWAH Says: I thought for sure the club would wait until Wilson got back on the mound in March and April before dealing him so that they could recoup as much value as possible, but it’s looking like they won’t wait that long. Bob Nightengale reports that they’re shopping him to free up salary, which to me indicates that the “fluid” luxury tax situation really means they’ll only go over as a last resort. If they can unload Wilson, suddenly they’ll have an extra $10-20 million with which to play. Jeff Fletcher reports that the Yankees, Pirates, and Giants might make sense for Wilson, but who knows at this point.
The Story: RHP Danny Reynolds claimed off waivers by Dodgers
MWAH Says: Reynolds was one of two players the Angels added to the 40-man roster last winter to keep from being Rule 5 Draft eligible. While the other guy they protected, Jett Bandy, eventually made his big-league debut in 2015, Reynolds labored in Double-A all year (4.57 ERA in 43.1 IP). His stock dropped as a result, naturally, but why that culminated in him being placed on waivers is something of a mystery. The Angels had five open spots on the roster before Reynolds was snagging by LA, so it’s not like they were in dire need of room for new additions. My best guess is the team thought they could sneak him through waivers while everyone was focused on Winter Meetings stuff. The Dodgers were seemingly expecting this from clubs, as Reynolds ended up being one of three players they claimed yesterday.
The Story: Howie Kendrick open to a reunion with the Angels
MWAH Says: I bet the Angels are super open to it as well, they just don’t have the means right now to bring him back and add an impact left fielder AND a third baseman. Wait and see on this one.
The Story: Angels could match up well with Diamondbacks in trade
MWAH Says: Tough to know if this is based on anything or just pure speculation, but seeing as how Mike DiGiovanna spent the time to write an entire article it’s probably safe to assume there’s something there. Jake Lamb would be a nice pick-up, but an expensive one. Everyone else is not all that inspiring.
The Story: Angels one of four teams in on Asdrubal Cabrera
MWAH Says: Meh. Tough to get excited about a guy who *might* be a slight upgrade over Johnny Giavotella at second. I suppose the Halos could try Cabrera at third, but he’s appeared there only once in nine big-league seasons, so…
The Story: Angels have checked in on Brett Lawrie
MWAH Says: Every rumor about this seems to outdo the next one is describing just how lukewarm the Angels’ interest is in Lawrie. Personally, I think he’d be a great fit, but I have no idea what the Halos could offer that David Forst and Billy Beane would be interested in. Maybe Hector Santiago?
The Story: Kris Bryant, Maikel Franco file grievances alleging service-time manipulation
MWAH Says: I hope they win. The length teams go to with players in order to save an extra buck is absurd, and certainly not in line with the intentions of the CBA. Just because something isn’t explicitly barred in an agreement doesn’t mean it’s OK. Good faith is a thing that exists.
The Story: Aroldis Chapman trade on hold as news of domestic-violence incident emerges
MWAH Says: Well this is absolutely horrifying. I don’t understand how an event of this magnitude can be kept from the press for nearly two months, especially when gunfire was involved. Sad (but not surprised) to learn that yet another male athlete is abusive.
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