Two Pitchers That Could Help Angels From The Bargain Bin

When you are putting together a championship contending team, it’s not always about the big moves you make, it can be about the little moves. The New York Yankees contend every year, not just because they have star players, but because they get role guys that can help off the bench during the season in stretches like Eric Chavez. This past year, the San Francisco Giants acquired Marco Scutaro, for a minor leaguer. If they don’t make that trade, it’s very possible they don’t win the championship this year. Here are two little moves that the Angels could make that could give them some starting pitching depth: Jeremy Bonderman and Javier Vazquez.

February 21, 2012; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels general manager

(left) talks to owner Arte Moreno (right) during spring training at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Sure you might think I’m crazy for suggesting this and those guys may not even want to pitch for the Angels, however it may not be that crazy. For one thing, they won’t cost a lot. Bonderman has said he’d take a minor league deal to show his stuff. Bonderman is coming off of Tommy John Surgery. Yes, he’s had other issues in the past, but he’s healthy now. Why not give him a chance like that?Javier Vazquez will be pitching in the upcoming World Baseball Classic as his audition. He’s pitched in the AL before, albeit with mixed results, however he does have experience. He’s not gonna be as costly as someone like a Edwin Jackson might be, and it could even be on a one year prove it kind of contract.

If you’re going to win a championship you are going to need depth. The Angels are really lacking that in the starting pitching department. Vazquez and Bonderman could be some of that cheaper depth that the Angels could use to get back to the top.