Angels Leadoff Links – January 20, 2015

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The Angels Leadoff Links are here to once again transport you to a beautiful sunny day at Angel Stadium. Halo Hangout brings you all the best articles from around the FanSided baseball network that matter most to Angels’ fans. Pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of coffer, and check out all the news from around baseball you may have missed from the past 24 hours.

The Washington Nationals pulled off one of the biggest moves of the offseason on Sunday night when they signed top free agent pitcher Max Scherzer. The former Cy Young winner will reportedly earn north of $180 million over the next seven seasons in the nation’s capital. Ricky Keeler, co-editor of District on Deck, gives his take on the massive signing.

Next: Reaction To Max Scherzer Signing With Nationals

Dexter Fowler has found a new home. The 28-year-old was traded from the Houston Astros to the Chicago Cubs on Monday. He will now be tasked with patrolling center field in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. The Astros received pitcher Dan Straily and veteran infielder Luis Valbuena in return for Fowler. Eric Huysman of Climbing Tal’s Hill breaks down the move, and discusses Valbuena and Starily’s potential impact in 2015.

Next: Report: Astros Trading Dexter Fowler for Major League Players

It was Martin Luther Jr. day on Monday, and David Hill, co-editor of Kings of Kauffman, wrote a fitting piece about Negro League legend Buck O’Neil. Hill makes the case why O’Neil deserves to be enshrined in Cooperstown. O’Neil was one of the best players of his era, and was known as one of the great characters in baseball history. Unfortunately, Buck passed away in 2006, but inducting him posthumously would be a nice gesture for the O’Neil family.

Next: Buck O'Neil Deserves to be in the Hall of Fame

The Texas Rangers officially acquired Yovani Gallardo from the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday. The Rangers have landed themselves a quality starter who solidifies their shaky rotation. Colin Holmes of Nolan Writin’ believes the Rangers got a lot better on Monday with the addition of the 28-year-old right-hander.

Next: Yovani Gallardo Deal Rounds Out Rangers Pitching

Now that the Washington Nationals have signed Scherzer, they appear eager to move either Jordan Zimmermann or Stephen Strasburg. It seems ridiculous to think Strasburg could really be available, but indications suggest the 26-year-old may soon be changing his home address. Ted Schwerzler, co-editor of Puckett’s Pond, wonders what it might take to pry Strasburg away from the Nat’s. The Angels would be wise to check in with the Nationals about both of these pitchers, as adding Stras or Zimmermann would vastly improve the Halos starting five.

Next: How High Is Stephen Strasburg's Price Tag?

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