Angels Not Done Going After Pitching

It appears the Angels bullpen shuffle isn’t quite done yet. After signing Ryan Madson and trading Jordan Walden to Atlanta for Tommy Hanson, the Angels are again going to dip into the free agent market to get another reliever and to fill out their rotation.

Oct 27, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher

(19) throws a pitch against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning during game three of the 2012 World Series at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports

On the relief side, they have interest in Sean Burnett, Mike Adams and Joakim Soria. On the starting side, its Kyle Lohse and Anibal Sanchez. Soria and Brian Wilson would be surprising since they both probably want to close. Burnett would cost some serious cash, considering what Jeremy Affeldt just got from the San Francisco Giants. Burnett would give the Angels another lefty option with Scott Downs and another setup relief option as well.On the starting side, the Angels clearly have one more spot to fill. It looks like Zack Greinke will be joining the Dodgers at some point in the not so distant future, and while the acquisition of Hanson helps, they could use the additional starter. Sanchez’s asking price is rumored to be $90 mill over six years. Sanchez did prove he could pitch and pitch well in the AL after the Detroit Tigers picked him up before the trade deadline. Dan Haren could come back to them at a cheaper rate as well as could a trade though it doesn’t appear they will go that route.

I can’t see them spending a lot of money on a reliever and giving one a multi-year deal. Jerry Dipoto seems like he wants to build the bullpen without giving out big, multi-year contracts to guys, and to me that’s a good strategy. We’ll see if he sticks to that strategy or gives in at some point.