Angels Leadoff Links: November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving! Is it too early to eat some turkey? There are many things for all of us to be thankful for; Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels top my list! Before you devote the next 12 hours to watching football and eating, let us take a moment to recap Wednesday’s major developments from around the Major Leagues.

More from Halo Hangout

• Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels
• LA Angels: 3 offseason moves the Halos desperately need to make
• LA Angels: AL West rival Astros proving that they’re not giving up yet
• 6 important offseason award dates and times for LA Angels fans
• This LA Angels move proves the Halos are trying to spend big on pitching

The big news on Wednesday came out of Phoenix, where the Arizona Diamondbacks have reportedly signed outfielder, Yasmany Tomas, to a six-year deal worth $68.5 million. Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com broke the big news. The D-backs came out of nowhere to sign the talented Cuban. It is interesting that a National League team took a chance on Tomas, as he reportedly has his fair share of struggles with the leather. The 24-year-old bopper figures to combine with, Paul Goldschmidt, and, Mark Trumbo, to create one of the most powerful trios in all of baseball.

Staying in the National League West, a report from Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal suggests that the San Diego Padres have placed a call to the Los Angeles Dodgers regarding the availability of, Matt Kemp. The Dodgers have a crowded outfield, and are interesting in dealing one of, Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford, or Kemp. Matt Kemp had a bounce back season in 2014, and after, Hanley Ramirez, signed with the Boston Red Sox earlier in the week; the Dodgers may be hesitant to give away a talented right-handed hitter. Citing a report from earlier in the day, the Padres also called the Red Sox about, Yoenis Cespedes. The Padres are aggressively pursing offensive upgrades, and after missing out on, Yasmany Tomas, you can bet they will double their efforts to land an impact bat this offseason.

Chris Capuano, who was discussed as a possible addition to the Angels this week here at Halo Hangout, suggested in a radio interview with MLB Network that he is considering signing with a Japanese team. During the MLB Japan All-Star series earlier this month, rumors leaked out that Capuano was enjoying his time in Japan and may be interested in playing over seas. On Wednesday, Capuano was quoted as saying, “there’s a lot of truth to it,” when asked about the possibility of playing in Japan next season. Capuano is a guy the Angels should be taking a look at, due to his effectiveness and attractive price tag.

The Texas Rangers placed a bid of $1.5 million for Korean southpaw, Hyeon-jong Yang. The Rangers bid ended up being the highest received by the KIA Tigers. On Wednesday it was reported that the KIA Tigers have opted to reject the Rangers bid for Yang. The 26-year-old hurler can be posted again in November of 2015, and the Tigers will hope to net a more substantial return for the talented left-hander.

It was another busy day down in Tampa. The Rays designated former Angel, Sean Rodriguez, for assignment on Wednesday. Rodriguez was arbitration eligible and due a bump in salary this offseason, so the Rays decided to just sever ties with the veteran infielder. Rodriguez may make sense for the Halos if they opt to non-tender, Gordon Beckham. Here at Halo Hangout we discussed the Beckham situation in an article on Wednesday. The Rays signed former Angels’ reliever, Ernesto Frieri, yesterday to a one-year deal with a base salary of $800,000. Frieri can reportedly make up to $3.15 million in incentives. Frieri had his moments pitching in Anaheim, but last season was an unmitigated disaster for the 29-year-old.