Why Is The Los Angeles Angels Non-Pursuit Of Kyle Lohse A Story?

Over the weekend, there were reports of the Angels not going after free-agent Kyle Lohse. Lohse’s signing would require draft-pick compensation, though the Angels have already surrendered a pick with the signing of Josh Hamilton. The thing is, I’m not sure why this is a story.

Oct 17, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Lohse (26) throws to a San Francisco Giants batter during the first inning of game three of the 2012 NLCS at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dilip Vishwanat/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

First of all, the Angels rotation at this point is set. Would I prefer to have Lohse over Joe Blanton or Jason Vargas? Sure. Signing him would’ve made more sense before the trade of Kendrys Morales for Vargas. However, the rotation is now five deep, plus Garrett Richards and Jerome Williams for some extra depth.The Angels payroll seems set at $160 million. While they have $29 million left before the luxury tax, management doesn’t seem inclined to spend any more money. The team may not have the reinforcements to acquire a starting pitcher if the need comes up during the season. The only way it could work is that if there’s an injury during Spring Training and they sign him if he is still available.

Lohse has won over 14 games three of the five seasons. He is 34 years old as well, and wants a four year deal, which has scared off a lot of times from trying to acquire his services. Could he still get that from a team? Maybe the Texas Rangers. Maybe someone who we don’t even know about yet. Would Lohse be nice to have? Yes. Is he going to be an Angel? I doubt it.