Los Angeles Angels Prospects Who Could Be Trade Chips In 2013

Every year, teams will trade prospects for established veterans in hope of trying to improve themselves for playoff positioning. The Angels did it last season when they traded for Zack Greinke. The Kansas City Royals and Toronto Blue Jays have done that during this off-season, when they traded top prospects Wil Myers and Travis d’Arnaud for James Shields and R.A. Dickey respectively. Here are a couple of prospects the Angels may use as trade bait in July if the team needs to acquire a need.

Mar 10, 2012; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels right fielder

(77) stops at second base following a double during the second inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Cron: I’m not really an advocate for this, but however, where would he play? Albert Pujols is going to be there for quite a while. Mark Trumbo is right now the DH. I guess if Peter Bourjos didn’t pan out after a year Trumbo can go back into the outfield, and if Cron is ready he can play over there. MLB.com has Cron as the #2 first base prospect in all of baseball.

Kole Calhoun: Calhoun already has major league experience and he may the guy called upon if Bourjos falters or if there’s an injury in the outfield. However, if they find themselves needing something, and a team is looking for a young, cheap, left-hand hitting outfielder, Calhoun could be the guy being shipped out.

Carlos Ramirez: The young catcher is blocked by Chris Iannetta, who just re-signed and Hank Conger. There’s a dearth of catching throughout the game right now, so young catching is at a premium. If Ramirez can put up better offensive numbers than he did last year, he could be another attractive chip.

No, I’m not starting any trade rumors with these guys. These are just three names to think about as the season gets going, and you know Jerry Dipoto isn’t afraid of trading prospects for something the team needs. These are just three guys who could find themselves in trade rumors come July.