Los Angeles Angels: News And Notes From Winter Meetings

The Los Angeles Angels are having a mild winter thus far. The Halos appear to be staying quiet while other teams grab major free agents.

The Los Angeles Angels haven’t made a single move so far during the Winter Meetings. They have; however, been linked to a couple of teams predominantly within the state of California. First, the Angels checked in on Justin Turner from the Los Angeles Dodgers. That led to the Angels being rumored to sign Chase Utley.

That rumor seems to be a false trail as the Angels are now talking with the San Diego Padres about the possibility of trading for a left-handed second baseman. This news first reported by Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.

The Padres have four infielders that are capable of playing the second base position. Among them, are Yangervis Solarte, Ryan Schimpf, Cory Spangenberg, and Carlos Asuaje. Solarte is a decent hitter with a .285 average last season. Schimpf is a lefty who primarily played second base for the Padres last season.

Spangenberg and Asuaje are the most likely to the two players acquired by the Angels. Both of whom spent time in Triple-A last season. The Padres need pitching and desperately, and the Angels have a backstock of pitchers, so a deal could be reached very soon between these two teams.

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Currently, the Angels have a variety of pitchers that they would be willing to trade if the right deal came along. Matt Shoemaker and Tyler Skaggs have rumored to be trading parts if the right deal comes along.

Following the starters, the Angels have Alex Meyer, Vicente Campos, Manny Banuelos, Daniel Wright, Brooks Pounders, Nate Smith, Troy Scribner, and J.C. Ramirez. Of those pitchers, Scribner and Ramirez are said to be a part of the players competing for a starting job during Spring Training for the Angels.

Next: Who's Going To Be The Fifth Starter?

The numbers of teams inquiring about Jered Weaver has been minimal. While this doesn’t mean anything in terms of the Angels and Weaver next season, there’s hasn’t been any public statement on Weaver’s future with or without the Angels. It is rumored the Angels are unlikely to re-sign Weaver for next season.