Angels Leadoff Links – January 11, 2015

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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 the FanSided baseball network. While much of America was busy watching football yesterday, the talented writers at FanSided were slaving away trying to bring fans the best coverage of their favorite team. It is Sunday Fun-day, and what could be more fun than two more exciting NFL playoff games. Before plopping down in front of the TV to watch your team battle for a spot in the Conference Championship games, take a trip around the FanSided baseball network to read the best articles from the past 24 hours.

The big news of the day came out of the East Bay where the Oakland Athletics pulled off a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays for super-utility man Ben Zobrist and shortstop Yunel Escobar. Jason Burke, co-editor of Swingin’ A’s, breaks down the deal, and discuses what kind of impact the new players could make in 2015. The A’s have not been shy about making splash moves this offseason, and the other teams in the AL West definitely felt a splash of water hit their faces on Saturday after this deal was announced.

Next: Ben Zobrist, Yunel Escobar Headed to Oakland

The Angels signed veteran hurler Mark Mulder last January. Unfortunately, Mulder suffered a shoulder injury that forced him to miss the entire 2014 season. Daniel Solzman, co-editor of Redbird Rants, writes that the 37-year-old is gearing up for another comeback attempt in 2015. Mulder has had a string of shoulder injuries that have kept him off the mound since 2008, and it is fair wonder what his arm has left.

Next: Mark Mulder to attempt Another Comeback?

The Dan Haren saga is showing no signs of slowing down. On Saturday, it was suggested that the Miami Marlins are still holding out hope the disgruntled 34-year-old will report to spring training next month. Haren has made it clear his preference is to play for a team on the west coast, but the Marlins do not seem to care. Travis Honeycutt of Marlin Maniac discusses the latest rumors, and opines that Marlins’ fans are growing tired of ‘dramatic Dan’.

Next: Dan Haren to report to Spring Training?

Matthew Vealsey, editor at That Balls Outta Here, shared an interview Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy gave to MLB.com about the Cole Hamels situation. The Phillies have a tough decision to make regarding Hamels, as he is one of the best pitchers in the league when healthy, but he also represents their most valuable trade chip. It has been speculated by various media outlets that the Angels may have interest in the 31-year-old. I’m sure plenty of Angels’ fans would love to see the talented southpaw pitching in Anaheim, but it would take quite a package for the Angels to land Hamels.

Next: Tom McCarthy on Cole Hamels

If the United States’ relationship with Cuba continues to improve, baseball fans could reap the rewards in the near future with many gifted youngsters likely to become stars in the Majors. One of those talented players is Yoan Lopez, a hard throwing 21-year-old right-hander, who has recently been approved to sign with a team. According to Tim Richer of Friars on Base, Lopez is drawing interest from the San Diego Padres. The Angels are another team that has been connected to Lopez in the past, but their interest appears to be waning.

Next: Yoan Lopez Cleared by U.S. Government to Sign

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