Angels Leadoff Links – January 15, 2015

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The Angels Leadoff Links are your source for the articles that matter most to Angels fans from around the FanSided baseball network. Yesterday was a surprisingly busy day around baseball, and thankfully the talented writers here at FanSided documented every move made. So sit back, put your feet up, and catch up on all the action from around Major League Baseball you may have missed.

The Houston Astros have been surprisingly active this offseason, and could pose a threat the Angels much earlier than originally anticipated. On Wednesday, the Astros added power hitting backstop Evan Gattis from the Atlanta Braves. Jason Burke, co-editor of Climbing Tal’s Hill, wonders if the Astros gave up too much for a player who will likely function as the club’s designated hitter.

Next: Evan Gattis Likely Coming to Houston, But at What Price?

Alexi Ogando is drawing plenty of interest on the open market now that he has proven he is healthy. Multiple teams have shown interest in the former Texas Rangers reliever, including the Kansas City Royals. David Hill, co-editor of Kings of Kauffman, believes the Royals should dive in head first on Ogando.

Next: Alexi Ogando Could be Worth a Gamble for the Royals

The Oakland A’s busy offseason got even busier on Wednesday when they sent recently acquired shortstop Yunel Escobar to the Washington Nationals in exchange for veteran reliever Tyler Clippard. Tony Frye, co-editor of Swingin’ A’s, breaks down the deal, and discusses what impact Clippard could have on the A’s 2015 season.

Next: Yunel Escobar Traded to Nationals

The Yoan Moncada market is about to get really interesting. The 19-year-old Cuban import has nearly been cleared by the U.S. government to sign with a big league team. Adrian Garcia of Lasorda’s Lair writes that in the wake of the Los Angeles Dodgers losing out on hurler Yoan Lopez, they are gearing up to make a big run at Moncada.

Next: Zaidi Suggests A Big Run For Moncada

It is hard to believe, but Max Scherzer is still available in free agency. Scherzer is still refusing to take less money, despite an apparent unwillingness by clubs to give him what he wants. Daniel Solzman, co-editor of Redbird Rants, believes the St. Louis Cardinals are major players in the Scherzer sweepstakes, even calling them the x-factor in this situation. Scherzer is following the Scott Boras plan to a tee, but one has to wonder if will ultimately pay off for the 30-year-old.

Next: Max Scherzer Sweepstakes, Cardinals are X-Factor