Angels Leadoff Links – January 5, 2015

More from Halo Hangout

It is the first Monday of the New Year, and the kiddies are headed back to the old school house. When I was a child I always hated returning to class after Christmas break, and I’m sure youngsters across America are dragging their heels as they walk to school this morning. Now that the kids are out of the way, pour yourself a cup of coffee, butter up a bagel and catch up on all the Angels related articles from around the Fansided baseball network you may have missed over the past 24 hours.

Since being traded from the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Miami Marlins in December, Dan Haren has made it abundantly clear that he wants to pitch for a club located on the west coast. Charlie Spencer-Davis, co-editor of SoDo Mojo, suggest the M’s may be interested in Haren for the right price.

Next: Dan Haren Wants To Pitch Out West, How About For The Seattle Mariners?

Alright Angels’ fans, take a deep a breath before reading this next article. Remember, hurling insults at writers only degrades you to their level. Jason Burke, co-editor of Swingin’ A’s, decided to devote 500 words to why Athletics’ fans should loathe the Angels. While I do not condone the content of the piece, I believe much of Burke’s musings are based in “humor.” Still, I have a hard time believing anyone could hate the Trout hats, or Mickey Mouse.

Next: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Why We Hate Them

Former Angels reliever Ryan Madson has signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals. Hunter Samuels, co-editor at Kings of Kauffman, has the skinny not he veteran’s new deal with the defending American League champions. The 34-year-old righty signed with the Halos in December of 2012, but due to a series of elbow problems, he never appeared in a game as a member of the Angels.

Next: Royals Sign Ryan Madson to Minor League Deal

The Tampa Bays Rays have been shopping Ben Zobrist all winter, and since signing Asdurbal Cabrera, the rumors regarding Zobrist have only intensified. David Egbert of Rays Colored Glasses breaks down the situation, and offers his opinion of what the Rays will do with Zobrist. The Angels have shown interest in the 33-year-old super utility man, but the Giants appear to be the frontrunners at this point.

Next: Where Does the Asdrubal Cabrera Signing Leave Ben Zobrist?

Matthew Veasley, co-editor of That Balls Outta Here, discussed the possible suitors for All-Star southpaw Cole Hamels. Veasley lists the Angels as one of the favorites, citing their need for a top tier starter as his reasoning. It makes plenty of sense on paper, but the Phillies will want a return package of high upside pieces. It remains to be seen if the Halos have enough top prospects to pry Hamels away from Philadelphia.

Next: Cole Hamels: Six Suitors