Leadoff Links 11/14/14 – Angels and MLB News and Notes

It’a time for another edition of Leadoff Links here at Halo Hangout. It was a busy day for the Angels on Thursday with Mike Trout winning the American League Most Valuable Player Award, and a few juicy rumors floating around the twitter sphere. General Managers from every Major League team once again provided ample fodder for beat reporters at the GM meetings in Phoenix.

The Halo Hangout Starting 9 gives every baseball fan the balanced breakfast they need to get the day started.

1. Howie Kendrick Drawing Interest from Yankees

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Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reported on Halloween that the Angels were listening to offers for their second baseman, Howie Kendrick. On Thursday, it was suggested by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports that the New York Yankees may be interested in acquiring the services of Kendrick. A deal with the Yanks seems unlikely however, and Heyman feels that the Halos are “more than likely to hang onto Kendrick.” Heyman does concede that Los Angeles is still in the market for another arm, but he does not believe that moving Kendrick is a likely scenario at this time.

2. Yoan Moncada a Target for the Angels?

The Halos have interest in Cuban infielder, Yoan Moncada, so says Angels beat writer, Alden Gonzalez. Moncada has drawn heavy interest from numerous clubs this offseason, and figures to command a signing bonus in the 30-40 million dollar range. Gonzalez suggested that the Angels “like” the 19-year-old, but that his price tag is almost certainly too high for Anaheim. Moncada would be an interesting signing for the Halos, particularly after signing his country mate, Roberto Baldoquin, last week.

3. Giancarlo Stanton: The 300 Million Dollar Man?

If Giancarlo Stanton shed any tears last night after he was informed he lost the National League MVP Award, he may soon have some bills to dry his eyes with. Ken Rosenthal broke the news that the Miami Marlins are in negotiations with their star right fielder, and the figures are jaw dropping. According to Rosenthal, “the two sides are discussing a deal that would be for at least 10 years and at least $300 million.” This would mean that Stanton could soon be signing the biggest contract in professional sports history.

4. Yasmani Tomas Decision Imminent

Yasmani Tomas has been at the center of rumors for weeks now, and it finally appears as though he may soon be ready to make a decision. Vice Sports’ Jorge Arangure broke the news on twitter that Tomas is scheduled to fly into the United States today, and he could potentially land with a new club by week’s end. The Cuban corner outfielder has been linked to nearly half the teams in baseball at some point, but who will sign Tomas remains a mystery. The only thing that we know for sure is that Tomas will soon be a very wealthy man.

5. Mike Trout Wins AL MVP

The moment Angels’ fans have been waiting for finally arrived last night. After being a bridesmaid in each of the past two seasons, fans were beginning to think something fishy was going on. But, the BBWAA announced on Thursday that Mike Trout earned his first American League Most Valuable Player Award live on MLB.com. Halo Hangout brought you the full coverage of the momentous occasion last night.

6. Clayton Kershaw Wins NL MVP

The stars aligned for Clayton Kershaw in 2014, and on Thursday night he added the National League Most Valuable Player Award to his ever-expanding trophy case. The BBWAA announced his victory live on mlb.com, just 24 hours after he took home his third NL Cy Young Award. Kershaw was filthy in 2014, and at age 26, he is already one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. Again, for a more in-depth look at this year’s MVP’s head on over to our “Troutstanding” article here at Halo Hangout.

7. 22 Teams Reportedly Interested in Andrew Miller

Jon Heyman reported on Thursday that 22 of the 30 big league teams have shown some level of interest in Andrew Miller. It was believed earlier in the week that the Chicago Cubs were the frontrunners to sign Miller, but according to Heyman those rumors have been overblown. Since transitioning to the bullpen in 2012, Miller has really carved out a niche. Miller is looking to land a four-year deal on the open market. While that is a big commitment to make to a relief pitcher, with 22 teams interested, the big southpaw could conceivably get what he is looking for.

8. Hyeon-Jong Yang To Be Posted on Monday

Korean pitcher, Hyeon-Jong Yang is set to be posted to Major League clubs on Monday, this according to Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News. The 26-year-old southpaw hurler is attempting to make the jump to America fresh off winning the Choi Dongwon Award, the equivalent of our Cy Young Award. Feinsand suggests that Yang has the ability to be a number three pitcher in a big league rotation right now, with the potential to grow into a number two. Feinsand lists the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Houston Astros as the early favorites to sign Yang.

9. Could a Reunion Be in the Cards for Russell Martin and the Los Angeles Dodgers?

According to Jon Heyman, the Dodgers are said to taking a very close look at their ex-backstop. Russell Martin is the top free agent catcher available, and he is in high demand after posting great numbers for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2014. Martin played for the Trolley Dodgers from 2006 through the 2010 season, and would represent a considerable upgrade over A.J. Ellis. Martin is said to also be a top target of the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs, and Pirates. Russell Martin was a clubhouse leader in his time with the Bucs, and is a big reason postseason baseball returned to the Steel City.

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