Angels Leadoff Links – January 27, 2015

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Here at Halo Hangout we have scoured every nook and cranny of FanSided in search of Angels related articles. Thankfully, the talented writers from around the FanSided baseball network have made it pretty easy to find a few articles that might pique the interest of Angels’ fans. Pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate, pop a waffle into the toaster, and take a few minutes to catch up on all the news you may have missed over the past 24 hours.

After largely under performing in his first two years in Anaheim, Josh Hamilton is a polarizing figure amongst the Angels’ fan base. This offseason rumors have begun swirling about his future with the organization. Jon Flint of Call to the Pen believes Hamilton will rebound in 2015, and whichever team pulls the trigger on a deal for the 33-year-old will be happy they did. It seems a bit far-fetched that any discerning General Manager would be willing to take on the $90+ million left on his contract after the terrible season he had in 2014.

Next: The Case to Trade for Josh Hamilton

Daniel Solzman, co-editor of Redbirds Rants, states that infielder Pete Cozma and pitcher Sam Freeman are out of minor league options with the St. Louis Cardinals. This means that if one of both players fail to break camp with the Cards, they will either have to be traded or put on waivers. Kozma is a wizard defensively in the middle infield, and he may be an intriguing option this March if Grant Green and Josh Rutledge struggle in Tempe.

Next: Pete Kozma, Sam Freeman out of options with St. Louis Cardinals

Mike Napoli is considered one of the best offensive backstops in Angels’ history. Now manning first base for the Boston Red Sox, Napoli took his turn being featured in BoSox Injection’s 25 in 25 series. Matthew Loper breaks down Napoli’s 2014 campaign, and discusses what the 33-year-old bearded beauty will bring to the table in the coming season.

Next: Red Sox 25 in 25: Mike Napoli

On Monday, the Cincinnati Reds announced they have agreed to a four-year extension with catcher Devin Mesoraco worth a reported $28 million. Jesse Borek, co-editor of Blog Red Machine provides fans with his thoughts on the Reds locking up their all-star backstop. Mesoraco had a breakthrough campaign in 2014, but he has had trouble staying healthy during his career and he had minimal impact on offense prior to last season.

Next: Cincinnati Reds Extend Devin Mesoraco on a four-year deal

2014 saw teams implement defensive shifts extensively. Rob Manfred officially took the reigns as commissioner of baseball this week, and he is already shaping his legacy. He suggested his staff is looking for ways to quicken the pace of games to attract a younger fan base, and he is also attempting to ban defensive shifting. Tony Frye, so-editor of Swingin’ A’s, wonders if eliminating defensive shifts will have a positive impact on the game.

Next: Should Manfred Ban Defensive Shifts?

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