Angels Leadoff Links – December 31, 2014

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It is the last day of the year, and coincidently it is also the final edition of the Angels Leadoff Links before we ring in the New Year. The Leadoff Links serve as your compass to finding the best stories from the around the FanSided baseball network.

Just 24 hours remain for general managers to make moves before the ball drops. Will there be any big moves before the confetti flies? We will just have to wait and see!

Two of the busiest teams in the league this offseason; the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres joined forces to make yet another move yesterday. On Tuesday the Mariners finally filled their gaping hole in right field by acquiring veteran outfielder Seth Smith in exchange for 24-year-old fireballer Brandon Maurer. Charlie Spencer-Davis, co-editor of SoDo Mojo, broke down the deal and introduced M’s fans to their newest outfielder. The Angels know Smith well as he spent 2012 and 2013 with the Oakland Athletics.

Next: The Mariners Trade RHP Brandon Maurer To the Padres for OF Seth Smith

The Tampa Bay Rays made waves on Tuesday when they signed free agent veteran infielder

Asdrubal Cabrera

to a one-year deal worth a reported $8 million.

Robbie Knopf

, editor of

Rays Colored Glasses

, questions the Rays’ motives for the deal.

Next: Asdrubal Cabrera Signing a Drastic Shift in Rays' Offseason

Now that the Rays have landed a new second baseman, speculation is rampant around the league that they are eager to trade super utility man Ben Zobrist. Naturally due to Zobrist’s versatility he would be useful on nearly every ball club, including the Halos. Nicholas D. Blazek, co-editor of Cubbies Crib, contends that Zobrist would be a perfect fit in the Windy City.

Next: Ben Zobrist would be a perfect fit for the Chicago Cubs

Lee Stitzel of Nolan Writin’ wonders if the Texas Rangers might make a run at top free agent hurler Max Scherzer this winter. Stitzel provides a detailed anaysis of the situation, pointing out the reasons it would make sense and the reasons it wouldn’t. The Angels have been linked to Scherzer this offseason, but they likely would have to dump some salary before singing the former Cy Young Award winner.

Next: Could the Texas Rangers Pursue Max Scherzer?

Brandon Nickel, co-editor of BoSox Injection, wrote an interesting article about Roger Clemens and his chances of making the the Hall-of-Fame. Clemens has been passed over for the Hall in each of the last two years, but Nickel believes that streak needs to end. It is a contentious topic as both sides of the argument feel very strongly.

Next: Roger Clemens: Let the Snubbing Commence!

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