Angels Leadoff Links – January 3, 2015

More from Halo Hangout

The holidays are officially over and the baseball season is finally within sight. Now that the holiday season is in the rear view mirror, general managers will get back to work producing fodder for the journalists that cover the sport. Thankfully, the talented writers from around the FanSided baseball network keep churning out fantastic articles. The Angels Leadoff Links are your source for pertinent stories from around FanSided that relate to the Halos.

In an article that is sure to raise the blood pressure of Angels’ fans, Matt Mirro of Yanks Go Yard explains how the Halos loss is the Yankees gain. He contends that the Angels are considerably weaker heading in the New Year after dealing away All-Star second baseman Howie Kendrick.

Next: As Foes Depart, American League Becomes Friendlier For The Yankees

Ed Carroll, assistant editor of Wahoo’s on First, breaks down the Cleveland Indians revamped bullpen, specifically ex-Angels reliever Scott Downs. The Angels employed Downs for parts of three seasons, in which he went 9-7 with a 2.10 ERA. The 38-year-old may not be the dominant late game reliever he once was, but he is still a serviceable arm in the Indians ‘pen.

Next: Cleveland Indians Add Scott Downs, Jeff Manship

The Angels have been linked to both Max Scherzer and James Shields this offseason. Jacob R Misener, co-editor of Call To The Pen, wrote on Friday that the San Francisco Giants have dropped out of the running for the free agent hurlers. This is good news for fans still holding out hope the Halos can land one of the highly sought after right-handers.

Next: San Francisco Giants out on James Shields, Max Scherzer

Ian Stewart spent 2014 with the Angels, but he has signed on with the Washington Nationals and hopes to earn a role with them next season. Brandon Conner of District on Deck explores Stewart’s chances of breaking camp with the Nat’s in 2015. The Halos signed Stewart as a reclamation project, but he was a flop, batting just .178 over the course of 68 at bats in Anaheim last season.

Next: Evaluating Ian Stewart's Roster Chances

It was reported on Friday that the San Francisco Giant are working towards a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays involving super utility man Ben Zobrist. Aaron Somers, co-editor of Call To The Pen, sheds light on the recent developments, and points out the value Zobrist would provide to nearly every team in baseball.

Next: Interest in Ben Zobrist picking up, San Francisco Giants in pursuit