Angels Trade Deadline Wishlist

The trade deadline is still about two months away right now, but it is starting to take shape on which teams will be buyers or sellers. Currently, the Houston Astros sit a top the AL West standings, holding a 5 game lead over the Angels. There’s no questioning the hot start from the Astros and the legitimacy they’ve shown thus far this season, but make no mistake this is still the Angels division. It seems like the Angels are finally getting into a groove and play good baseball as winners of their last three. More importantly, this team can begin to move past the Josh Hamilton saga now and focus on finding a consistent lineup.

Needs:

Catcher- At this point it looks like the team is finally starting to move past Chris Ianneta and potentially go forward with rookie Carlos Perez. The dismal numbers from Ianneta this season are laughable, checking in with a .094 AVG 0 HR 1 RBI through 21 games. His struggles at the dish would be somewhat overlooked if he had any clue defensively, but his inability to throw any runners out virtually allows for singles to become doubles. His contract is up after this year and seemingly this is a good time to go forward with Carlos Perez.

Left Field- Regardless of the Josh Hamilton situation, the Angels are left with a platoon in left field of Matt Joyce, Collin Cowgill, and Efren Navarro. These three have combined to hit below .200 with only 2 HR and 9 RBI. The lack of production from this spot leaves a glaring hole in the lineup.

DH- The Angels don’t have a combination that works for this position. As an AL team, it is truly a disadvantage to not utilize the benefit of an extra hitter in the lineup. C.J. Cron has been the predominant DH for most of the year and has simply given the lineup no benefit. Moving Albert Pujols to this spot or David Freese still leaves the lineup with holes. The Angels would greatly benefit from another hitter off the bench.

Starting Pitching- The rotation doesn’t need a top flight starter, but the ineffectiveness of Jered Weaver and Matt Shoemaker are reasons for concern. Going forward the Angles could use an upgrade in the back of the rotation via trade or promoting prospects from within the organization. It never hurts to have more pitching come late in the season.

Potential Trade Targets:

Carlos Gonzalez OF- The Rockies have been on a downward slide and don’t offer much to combat the fact that they will most likely become sellers when the trade deadline approaches. Gonzalez is off to the worst start in his career this season, but would surely be an upgrade over anybody the Angels have for LF right now. A change of scenery might be a positive for everyone involved here. Assuming the Angels pick up the remainder of the contract and dish out a mid level prospect, this deal is feasible.

. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Cole Hamels SP- This is another situation of a guy whose on a team going nowhere. The Phillies have been trying to deal Hamels for years, but either due to their own ignorance or asking price it has never happened. Hamels has seen his value drop this season after struggling out of the gates, but you can never have enough pitching. Personally, I wouldn’t give up any top prospects for this guy, but at a reasonable price, it might be worth it to add another proven lefty starter in the rotation.

Mike Leake SP- The Reds have not been able to sign him to a long term deal, and it looks like they won’t. Leake is going to be a player at the deadline that will be highly coveted by contenders because he will most likely not cost as much as the top pitchers in the market. He could come in and bolster the Angels staff right away. Might be worth it to take a look at an inning eater like Leake.

Andre Eithier OF- Whether he’s the starting guy in LF or DH or off the bench, Andre Eithier could provide offensive depth at a reasonable cost. The Dodgers don’t have much use for him and would be willing to move him come deadline time.