Angels Leadoff Links – January 12, 2015

More from Halo Hangout

It is Monday morning, and the Angels Leadoff Links are here once again to take you on a trip around the FanSided baseball network to read the stories that matter most to Halos’ fans. For those of you still smarting about your favorite football team losing yesterday, allow you mind to be filled with thoughts of spring time and Angels baseball. So take a seat in your most comfortable chair, pop a waffle into the toaster, pour yourself a glass of OJ, and catch up on all the baseball news you might have missed over the last 24 hours.

The Angels rotation is still lacking a top tier hurler. There are ample choices available for the Halos, but one intriguing option that has rarely been discussed would be dealing for David Price from the Detroit Tigers. Zane Stalberg of Motor City Bengals believes now is the opportune time for the Tigers to trade the former Cy Young winner.

Next: The Detroit Tigers Need To Trade David Price

Welington Castillo has been put on the trade block by the Chicago Cubs, and he has piqued the interest of a few clubs in the American League West. Jacob R Misener, co-editor of Cubbies Crib, wonders if the Cubs are having trouble moving the 27-year-old backstop because they are not being realistic in trade negotiations.

Next: Welington Castillo: Is Cubs' asking price too high for Diamondbacks?

Much to the chagrin of Angels’ fans, Ben Zobrist was dealt from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Oakland Athletics late last week. Domenic A. Vadala, editor of Birds Watcher, conveys his relief that the Baltimore Orioles will no longer have to do battle with Zobrist in the American League East, as he now resides in American League West (gulp).

Next: Baltimore Orioles: Beast out of the AL East

Jordan Walden spent three seasons pitching in Anaheim, functioning as the closer in one of them. Now a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, Walden’s impressive track record has led some to wonder if he is an option to close for the Cards in 2015. Doug Vollet of Redbird Rants compared Walden’s numbers to those of the Cardinals’ incumbent closer Trevor Rosenthal. Walden was a quality reliever for the Halos, saving 32 games in 2011, and making one All-Star appearance.

Next: Rumor Mill: Jordan Walden our future closer?

James Shields is obviously one of the bigger fish still swimming around the free agent pond. Recent reports suggest the Colorado Rockies are beginning to show interest in Shields. Hayden Kane, editor of Rox Pile, is skeptical the Rockies are truly interested in ‘Big Game’ James. The Angels have reportedly shown slight interest in the 34-year-old righty, but unless they are able to find a dance partner for C.J. Wilson, the chances are slim Shields will be donning a Halos uniform in 2015.

Next: Seriously, are the Rockies in on James Shields?