Angels Leadoff Links: November 30, 2014

There is no better way to start your day than by catching up on all the news that matters most to the Angels from around Major League baseball. Take a seat, pop in a couple toaster waffles, and pour yourself a cup of Joe. All I ask is that you put on a pair of pants before reading the latest addition of Leadoff Links from Halo Hangout.

The Oakland Athletics made some serious waves Friday night when they sent All-Star third baseman, Josh Donaldson, to the Toronto Blue Jays for infielder, Brett Lawrie, and three top prospects. According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the A’s overhaul may just be getting started. Slusser suggests that the A’s are eager to deal, Jeff Samardzija, and the Chicago White Sox have emerged as a possible trade partner. The A’s are reportedly seeking All-Star shortstop, Alexei Ramirez, in return for Samardzija along with middle infield prospect, Tim Anderson. The A’s have dealt away multiple young infielders in recent years, and Anderson could go a long way towards replenishing the minor league system. The A’s are in a transition mode, and as we have seen with general manager, Billy Beane, in the past, big chances can occur over a very short period of time. Trading Samardzija may very well be the next domino to fall in Oakland.

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The A’s are aggressively trying to reshape their roster, and according to John Hickey, Billy Beane, has been in contact with the Atlanta Braves about, Justin Upton, and, Evan Gattis. The Braves have made it known through various channels that Upton and Gattis are available this offseason. Upton has been connected to many teams this winter including the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers. The A’s offense floundered after dealing, Yoenis Cespedes, at the trade deadline in 2014, and now with Donaldson in Toronto, the cupboard is pretty bare. Acquiring a couple middle of the order bats like Gattis and Upton makes perfect sense for an A’s team yearning for some offensive firepower.

Former Angels outfielder, Torii Hunter, has been garnering plenty of interest this offseason on the open market. Hunter has been connected to multiple teams over the last month, and appears to be narrowing his list of possible landing spots to four. According to Mark Whicker, Hunter is considering the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, and contemplating a return to Minnesota. Hunter will be 40-years-old next July, but his numbers have not diminished much the past few seasons. Hunter is not the fielder he once was, but in 2014 he hit .286, with 17 dingers and 83 RBI’s. The M’s are searching for a right-handed hitting corner outfielder, and have to be considered the favorites to land Hunter at this juncture.

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A report from Nick Cafardo indicates that the top free agent relief pitcher available, Andrew Miller, may be getting close to choosing his next team. Miller has drawn interest from nearly two-dozen teams so far this offseason, and whoever lands the talented southpaw will be paying a King’s ransom. Miller shined in 2014 with the Boston Red Sox and later with the Baltimore Orioles. There have been no indications yet as to where Miller is leaning, but a reunion with the Red Sox cannot be ruled out.

There were rumors earlier in the fall that the Detroit Tigers were interested in moving veteran backstop, Alex Avila. Lynn Henning of The Detroit News reported on Saturday that Tigers appear content with having Avila behind the plate in 2015. The 27-year-old catcher is an above-average defender, but has seen his offensive numbers tumble in recent seasons. Avila is due $5.4 million in 2015, but is set to become a free agent at the conclusion of next season.

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