Angels Leadoff Links: November 24, 2014

It is time for another edition of Leadoff Links here at Halo Hangout. The Leadoff Links are all the breakfast any Angels fan needs to stay up to date on all the happenings relating to the Halos from around Major League Baseball. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and take a seat.

It was reported on Saturday that the Minnesota Twins had purchased the rights to Korean starting pitcher, Hyeon-jong Yang. On Sunday night, it was revealed by MK Sports that the 26-year-old southpaw was in fact property of the Texas Rangers. C.J. Nitkowski of Fox Sports confirmed MK Sport’s report via twitter. The Rangers paid a reported $1.5 million dollars for Yang’s rights, but no word yet on whether the KIA Tigers will part with Yang for such a small sum. The Rangers now own an exclusive 30-day window to work out a deal with Yang. If acquired by Texas, Yang figures to make an immediate impact in 2014, slotting in behind, Yu Darvish, and, Derek Holland, in the starting rotation.

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The Oakland Athletics acquired first baseman, Ike Davis, on Sunday from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for international slot money. Davis was reasonably productive for the Bucs in 2014, batting .235 with 10 home runs and 46 RBI’s across 131 games. The 27-year-old could see significant time at first for the A’s in 2015, especially against right-handed pitchers.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports’ tweeted on Sunday that the Texas Rangers have been in contact with the Atlanta Braves regarding the availability of, Justin Upton. The Seattle Mariners have previously been linked to the Atlanta Braves’ leftfielder. Upton is currently one year away from hitting the open market, and will require an impressive package of prospects in exchange for his services. Rosenthal suggests that the Rangers have had their eye on Upton for quite some time now, so it appears there is a real chance that the Rangers make a deal. Texas would likely require a contract extension with Upton prior to completing any trade with the Braves.

Our own, Trey Hannula, posted an article on Friday that suggested the Angels may be a good landing spot for Blue Jays catcher, Dioner Navarro. Although Navarro has not been dealt yet, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle is reporting that the Toronto Blue Jays “have some interest in [John] Jaso as a back-up for Russell Martin.” The Athletics are said to seeking young left-hander, Sean Nolin, in return for the veteran backstop. The A’s are flush with catchers as, Derek Norris, and, Stephen Vogt, are already on the roster. Moving one of these backstops this offseason makes perfect sense for an A’s team trying to reload.

Major League Baseball is set to announce the list of nominees for induction into the 2015 Hall-of-Fame class next July in Cooperstown, NY. I have personally been lucky enough to visit the historic museum on two separate occasions, and I cannot recommend the experience enough. Former Seattle Mariners great, Randy Johnson, is slated to make his first and likely last, appearance on the ballot. Halo Hangout will bring you full coverage of the ballot after it has been unveiled later today.