Help Wanted: Starting Pitchers

Last night after the game, the Angels announced a trade, acquiring Barry Enright from the Arizona Diamondbacks for the ol’ player to be named or cash considerations. Enright had an 8-6 record with a 5.87 ERA. In his major league career he is 7-11 with a 4.87 ERA. GM Jerry Dipoto is familiar with Enright from his time as GM with the Diamondbacks, so it makes sense that he would make that kind of move. It’s a nice depth move, but in the words of Hawk Harrelson; don’t stop now boys.

February 21, 2012; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto watches during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

The Angels need another starting pitcher. If they can move Ervin Santana in it, its all the better. There are rumors of a James Shields for Hank Conger and Peter Bourjos along with possibly Santana. Bourjos has been getting more playing time as of late and has been playing pretty well. It seems like Conger doesn’t have a lot of opportunity with the club since Chris Iannetta went down and he wasn’t the one brought up. Conger is hitting over .300 with a .357 on base in Triple A. The Rays could use help at catcher so that part of the deal makes sense for them. This would also allow them to allow B.J. Upton to walk as a free agent. From the Angels perspective, with Vernon Wells due back soon, Bourjos’ playing time may decline.

A rotation of Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Dan Haren and Shields would be lethal, especially in a short series. The Angels could also keep this rotation together since Shields has club options for 2013 at $9 million and at 2014 for $11 million. Even if they can’t get Shields, they need to bring someone in, and if they can package Santana in the deal all the better. Santana can’t be counted on going forward and if Haren isn’t totally healthy it makes it harder for the Angels to compete down the road in October.