Los Angeles Angels Trade Rumors

Angels still in the mix to land Cordero
January 23
MLB.com
 
"Free-agent closer Francisco Cordero expects to pick a team by the end of this week, and the Angels are one of four finalists for his services, a source with knowledge of the negotiations told MLB.com. The identity of the other three clubs is not known at this point, but one of the four, the source said, is a championship-contending team looking to slot him in the eighth inning. That may be the Phillies, which could use a setup man for the recently signed Jonathan Papelbon. The Orioles have also reportedly been in touch. The Rays, which have a need in the ninth inning, are not one of those other three clubs, however. At this point in the offseason, with the closer's market dried up and a"
DeWitt: Cardinals wanted Pujols
January 16
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
 
"Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. insisted Sunday that his inability to retain free agent first baseman Albert Pujols had nothing to do with a lack of organizational commitment but much to do with recognizing fiscal limitations. A day after a downtown Hyatt ballroom crowd applauded general manager John Mozeliak for suggesting the process worked to the benefit of both sides, DeWitt underscored his desire to bring back Pujols, who last month agreed to a 10-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. "This is a very knowledgeable baseball market. I think they realize you can only do so much for a given player and compete year in and year out," DeWitt said during an afternoon"
Angels, Kendrys Morales reach contract terms, avoid arbitration
January 11
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Angels and still-recovering first baseman/designated hitter Kendrys Morales on Wednesday avoided salary arbitration by striking a deal for the 2012 season. Morales broke his left ankle when he jumped on home plate following his game-winning homer over the Seattle Mariners on May 29, 2010. He hasn't played since having surgery and a follow-up operation last May to clean scar tissue and debris in the ankle joint. Details of the deal were not immediately available, but it's believed Morales and the Angels settled on a figure somewhere near his 2011 salary of $3 million. Because he didn't play in 2011, the team could have slashed his salary by as much as 20%."
Dipoto: "No timeline, no date" on Kendrys Morales' return
January 10
Los Angeles Times
 
"Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto said Tuesday that he's planning to inspect a Friday workout in Arizona by first baseman Kendrys Morales, recovering from surgery to his left ankle, which was broken in May 2010. "He's working out now -- physical therapy, baseball specific drills," Dipoto said during the formal announcement of second baseman Howie Kendrick's four-year contract extension. The Angels have committed about $3 million to the switch-hitting Morales for 2012, although it's uncertain when he'll return to play after breaking the ankle by jumping on home plate celebrating a game-winning home run. "There's no timeline, no date on the calendar being saved for him -- whenever Kendrys'"
Angels, Howie Kendrick agree to four-year deal
January 8
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Angels on Saturday reached agreement with second baseman Howie Kendrick on a four-year deal pending a physical, according to a person who is familiar with negotiations but could not speak publicly about them. With the new contract, which is thought to be worth $33.5 million, the Angels will avoid Kendrick's final year of arbitration and lock him up through his first three years of free agency. General Manager Jerry Dipoto said last week that he had begun preliminary discussions with the agents for Kendrick and shortstop Erick Aybar about multiyear deals, and those negotiations obviously moved quickly with Larry Reynolds, Kendrick's agent."
Jerry Dipoto: Free-agent spree over
January 7
ESPN.com
 
"The Los Angeles Angels have reached the limits of their payroll flexibility, according to general manager Jerry Dipoto, meaning any acquisitions in the coming months likely would have to come via trades rather than free agency. "We've had a fairly significant level of economic change the way our roster's come together," Dipoto said. "We've addressed the areas we wanted to address coming into this offseason. If there are ways to help our club along using creative ways, we'll do that." After signing Albert Pujols, C.J. Wilson and LaTroy Hawkins this winter, the Angels' payroll figures to rise roughly $20 million from its $142 million level in 2011, which was a franchise record. The Angels"
Angels 'very unlikely' to add closer Ryan Madson
January 5
Los Angeles Times
 
"There have been persistent Internet rumors linking the Angels to free-agent closer Ryan Madson, but General Manager Jerry Dipoto said it is "very, very unlikely" the team will acquire the former Philadelphia Phillies relief ace, or any closer, for that matter. "What I'll say with some degree of certainty is that our most significant acquisitions have already been made," Dipoto said, alluding to the signings of slugger Albert Pujols (10 years, $250 million) and pitcher C.J. Wilson (five years, $77.5 million). "We're trying to add depth, and in a perfect world, we'd like to find another guy to join Jordan Walden, Scott Downs and LaTroy Hawkins to help with those last nine outs. But closer"
Angels open contract talks with Howie Kendrick, Erick Aybar
January 5
Los Angeles Times
 
"Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto has had preliminary discussions with the agents for second baseman Howie Kendrick and shortstop Erick Aybar about multi-year deals that would prevent the infielders from becoming free agents after 2012. Both Kendrick, who hit .285 with 18 home runs, 30 doubles and 63 runs batted in last season, and the slick-fielding Aybar, who hit .279 with 10 homers, 33 doubles and 59 RBIs, are entering their final years of arbitration. "At this point, it's something we've begun to explore and will continue to explore," Dipoto said. "There is no timetable, but certainly, it's something we're interested in pursuing.""
Late-developing market for late-inning types
December 26
Foxsports.com
 
"Yes, Ryan Madson and Francisco Cordero are still out there. "The trade market snuck up on these free-agent closers," the NL executive said. "They should have taken the money and ran. All of a sudden, (Huston) Street, (Andrew) Bailey and (Brandon) League are out there. That's a significant impact on the free-agent pool that's normally not there." Street was dealt from Colorado to San Diego. Bailey (A's) and League (Mariners) are still available. Some in the industry believe Joakim Soria (Royals) and Carlos Marmol (Cubs) could be had for the right price. With those cost-controlled alternatives, it's understandable why clubs have been reluctant to offer Madson a four-year contract. For now,"
Why the Angels should trade Abreu
December 19
Foxsports.com
 
"Even before the Angels signed Albert Pujols, Bobby Abreu looked like their odd man out. Now, with Kendrys Morales seemingly on the verge of a comeback, the Angels should consider trading Abreu rather than paying him $9 million to be a part-time DH. Abreu, who turns 38 on March 11, is not the type to demand a trade, but he would welcome one, according to sources with knowledge of his thinking. His concern is playing time. Morales, a switch-hitting first baseman, has missed the past 1 1/2 seasons due to leg injuries. The Angels, however, were confident enough in his recent progress to offer him arbitration, knowing his salary likely would be about $3 million."
C.J. Wilson headed to Angels, too
December 8
CBSSports.com
 
"Remember back in October when Angels' owner Arte Moreno said the team had no money to spend in free agency? He was evidently playing an incredible ruse on the rest of us. Not only did the Angels land the biggest fish of all Thursday morning -- signing Albert Pujols -- but they have also nabbed free agent starting pitcher C.J. Wilson with a five-year, $77.5 million contract, reports Jon Heyman. CBSSports.com's Danny Knobler has confirmed the news and the dollar figure."
Angels still in the running for pitcher C.J. Wilson
December 8
Los Angeles Times
 
"The C.J. Wilson derby appears to be a two-team race between the Angels and Miami Marlins after the Texas Rangers all but resigned themselves to losing their ace Wednesday. "Until C.J. makes a decision, we can't rule anything out, but we understand that's a realistic possibility," Texas General Manager Jon Daniels told Rangers writers at the winter meetings. "I haven't received a call to say he's chosen to go elsewhere, but we're prepared for that call." The Rangers are believed to have offered Wilson a four-year deal in the $60-million range, but the Marlins reportedly have offered a six-year deal, and the Angels are believed to have offered a five-year contract in excess of $70 million."
Pujols agrees to terms with Angels on landmark deal
December 8
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Albert Pujols(notes), the heart and hammer of the St. Louis Cardinals for more than a decade, will leave St. Louis and sign with the Los Angeles Angels, sources said Thursday morning. Latecomers to the Pujols derby, the Angels will pay Pujols $250 million to $260 million over 10 years, a devastating turn for the Cardinals and a departure from past organizational philosophies for Arte Moreno's Angels. After a month-long search for wealth and happiness, most notably in Miami, Pujols will not return to the only organization he's known."
Angels still in the running for pitcher C.J. Wilson
December 7
Los Angeles Times
 
"The C.J. Wilson derby appears to be a two-team race between the Angels and Miami Marlins after the Texas Rangers all but resigned themselves to losing their ace Wednesday. "Until C.J. makes a decision, we can't rule anything out, but we understand that's a realistic possibility," Texas General Manager Jon Daniels told Rangers writers at the winter meetings. "I haven't received a call to say he's chosen to go elsewhere, but we're prepared for that call." The Rangers are believed to have offered Wilson a four-year deal in the $60-million range, but the Marlins reportedly have offered a six-year deal, and the Angels are believed to have offered a five-year contract in excess of $70 million."
Texas turns attention to pursuit of Wilson
December 7
MLB.com
 
"The Rangers finished up the second day of the Winter Meetings with their attention directed toward free-agent pitcher C.J. Wilson. General manager Jon Daniels had a late-night meeting with Wilson's agent, Bob Garber. That meeting did not appear to lead to a final resolution on Wilson's situation. But it was an opportunity for the Rangers to show how sincere they are in their hopes of re-signing Wilson. "Good meeting," Garber said without any further comment. The Angels are also pushing hard to get Wilson and could be the Rangers' biggest competition. The Marlins may have to drop out if they are able to sign Albert Pujols. The Nationals appear to have little interest in pursuing Wilson,"
Interest in C.J. Wilson intensifies
December 6
Foxsports.com
 
"The bidding for free-agent left-hander C.J. Wilson is heating up — but it isn't over yet. Sources say Wilson could sign before the end of the week, but there wasn't a clear frontrunner to sign him as of early Tuesday morning. The Angels and Marlins are in the thick of it, and the Rangers aren't completely out of the picture, either. The Rangers are scheduled to speak with Wilson's agent, Bob Garber, Tuesday night. Garber has been a popular man at this week's winter meetings, speaking with Angels general manager Jerry DiPoto on Monday night and scheduling a meeting with Marlins officials on Tuesday, sources say."
Angels trade Jeff Mathis to Blue Jays for pitcher Brad Mills
December 3
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Jeff Mathis era -- cynical Angels fans would call it an error -- came to an end Saturday morning when the Angels traded the weak-hitting catcher to the Toronto Blue Jays for pitcher Brad Mills, a 26-year-old left-hander who spent parts of the past three seasons in the big leagues. Mathis, who hit .174 with three home runs and 22 runs batted in this past season, became expendable when the Angels acquired catcher Chris Iannetta from the Colorado Rockies for pitcher Tyler Chatwood on Wednesday. Mills is not expected to develop into a Cy Young Award candidate, but new Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto did well to get something for Mathis, who had virtually no trade value and was not"
Dipoto won't confirm Angels' interest in Ramirez
December 2
Orange County Register
 
"A day after addressing one position that has been a pothole in their every-day lineup (catcher), the Angels are reportedly moving to address another position that has offered little in recent seasons. According to multiple reports, the Angels met with free-agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez earlier this week and are preparing to make a contract offer. The Milwaukee Brewers are also mentioned as suitors for the soon-to-be-former Chicago Cub. Angels GM Jerry Dipoto declined to confirm any contact with Ramirez. "I won't say anything other than obviously through the course of the past 30 days or so we've been exploring a number of ways to make ourselves a better and more complete team," he"
Report: Ramirez meets with Angels; contract offer likely
December 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"Free-agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez has met with the Angels, sources told Foxsports.com's Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi, and a contract offer is likely forthcoming. It's believed the meeting took place this week."
Rockies trade Iannetta to Angels for young starting right-hander
December 1
Denver Post
 
"It was one of those lonely moments late in September, the Rockies long a stranger to relevance. Chris Iannetta looked around the clubhouse and predicted there would be several new faces next spring as management looked to acquire pitching. Wednesday, he became the latest asset used to rebuild the rotation, traded to the Angels for 21-year-old starter Tyler Chatwood. The deal came together quickly after the Rockies agreed on a two-year, $6.4 million contract with free agent Ramon Hernandez? to assume starting catching duties. Chatwood, a right-hander, dives into the pool of starting rotation candidates after going 6-11 with a 4.74 ERA with the Angels last season."
Sources: Tigers interested in Angels' Izturis
November 29
Foxsports.com
 
"The Tigers have interest in trading for Angels infielder Maicer Izturis, major-league sources told FOXSports.com, and it's believed that he ranks behind Atlanta's Martin Prado on Detroit's trade wish list. The Tigers are looking for upgrades at second base, third base and the leadoff spot. Izturis, 31, has filled all of those roles over an eight-year career. Izturis, a switch hitter, isn't known for his durability. This year marked the first time he has played more than 120 games in a major-league season. But that wouldn't necessarily be a huge issue in Detroit, where he could split time with the likes of Ryan Raburn, Brandon Inge and Don Kelly at the two positions."
Angels reportedly 'serious' about Aramis
November 29
MLB.com
 
"Despite earlier indications that he was not in their plans, the Angels are "serious" about pursuing Aramis Ramirez, according to a Los Angeles Times report quoting the slugging third baseman's agent, Paul Kinzer. Jerry Dipoto, the Angels' new general manager, initially downplayed the possibility of signing Ramirez to a free-agent deal. Kinzer on Monday told the Times that the Angels are one of "four or five teams" with "serious" interest in Ramirez, a 14-year veteran coming off a 2011 season in which he hit .306 for the Cubs with 26 homers, 93 RBIs, a .361 on-base percentage and .510 slugging percentage. Ramirez, 33, is a .284 career hitter with 315 homers and 1,122 RBIs."
Angels manager, GM to dine with C.J. Wilson Monday night
November 22
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Angels' pursuit of free-agent pitcher C.J. Wilson will continue Monday night when Manager Mike Scioscia and General Manager Jerry Dipoto have dinner with the veteran left-hander in Los Angeles. The meeting was confirmed by a source familiar with the situation but not authorized to speak publicly about it because of the sensitive nature of talks. It is not known whether Arte Moreno would be at the meeting, but the Angels owner has already established a relationship with the Texas Rangers star from bargaining sessions for baseball's new labor agreement, which will be announced Tuesday. Moreno served on the owners' committee, and Wilson was on the players' committee. Dipoto and Bob"
Report: C.J. Wilson will make Angels his first visit in free agency
November 18
Dallas Morning News
 
"As the top free agent pitcher available, C.J. Wilson figures to spend time talking to many teams this winter. But ESPN.com's Jerry Cransick reports that Wilson will kick off his tour of possible landing spots on Monday with the Rangers' chief rival, the Los Angeles Angels. Signing Wilson, a native of Newport Beach, Calif., would give the Angels four high-priced pitchers -- in addition to Jered Weaver , Dan Haren and Ervin Santana -- but Wilson could also provide the Angels with the flexibility to deal either Haren or Santana to bolster a lineup that finished 10th in the AL in runs scored last year."
Angels GM Dipoto meets with Wilson's agent
November 15
MLB.com
 
"Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto, who last week said he had interest in top free-agent pitcher C.J. Wilson, was interested enough to have dinner with the lefty's agent Monday night at the hotel hosting this week's General Managers Meetings. Dipoto and assistant general manager Scott Servais met with Bob Garber, Wilson's agent. Dipoto said last week he was looking for the best pitcher he could find and called Wilson "intriguing." Dipoto could not be reached for comment."
Angels don't look like big-ticket spenders
November 12
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Angels' most pressing needs in the eyes of new General Manager Jerry Dipoto are rotation depth behind Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana; right-handed, back-of-the-bullpen relievers; catching and a better on-base percentage. Noticeably absent from Dipoto's priority list is a burly first baseman who can slug 40 homers and drive in 120 runs a season at a cost of $25 million a year for six to eight years. After being contenders for high-priced free agents such as Carl Crawford, Adrian Beltre and Mark Teixeira in recent winters, the Angels look as if they will sit out the Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder sweepstakes. "You have to be open to the possibility, but it's not something"
Moves to get more offense could help restore Halos' shine
November 8
L.A. Daily News
 
"The good news is the Angels battled the Texas Rangers for first place in the American League West for most of the season before fading over the final two weeks. The bad news is they did it with their worst per-game offensive performance in nearly 20 years. That tells you a lot about the Angels pitching - it was pretty good, especially at the top of the rotation with Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana. The offense, though, was another story, and until the Angels add more punch to the lineup, they will have a difficult time dealing with the high-powered Rangers the next few years."
Moreno 'comfortable' with $130-140 million payroll
October 30
Orange County Register
 
"After coming up empty in pursuit of big-ticket free agents over the past few years, Angels owner Arte Moreno's desired budget for 2012 doesn't seem to have much room to land one this winter. Speaking to reporters after Saturday's press conference introducing Jerry Dipoto as the team's new general manager, Moreno said the Angels "stepped out of line a little bit" in extending the 2011 payroll to a club-record $142 million (the fourth-highest in baseball). Moreno was convinced to pay more in order to add two free-agent relievers (Scott Downs and Hisanori Takahashi) and take on Vernon Wells' contract (which still has three years and $63 million to run). In 2012, Moreno said he would like to"
Angels hire Dipoto as general manager
October 28
Foxsports.com
 
"Jerry Dipoto will be the Los Angeles Angels' new general manager, and an official announcement is expected after the World Series, FOXSports.com has learned. Dipoto, a former relief pitcher in the major leagues, had most recently served as the Arizona Diamondbacks' senior vice president of scouting and player development. Before that he got front-office experience with the Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox. Dipoto also had been a leading candidate for the Orioles' GM vacancy, sources said. The Angels were expected to conduct a lengthy interview process, but apparently made a more rapid decision to ensure that they got their man. The Angels' job will not be Dipoto's first as a general"
Retooling of Sox to accelerate soon
October 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"The process of retooling after an 83-loss season will accelerate soon for the White Sox with or without trusted assistant general manager Rick Hahn. Left-hander Mark Buehrle, leadoff man Juan Pierre, infielder Omar Vizquel and backup catcher Ramon Castro are eligible to file for free agency the day after the World Series. Although a report by SI.com stated the Sox were preparing to make a two-year offer to Buehrle, he is expected to listen to offers from other teams as the result of becoming a free agent for the first time in his career. Reliever Jason Frasor also can become a free agent if the Sox elect not to pick up a $3.75 million team option for 2012. With right-handed relievers"
Andrew Friedman may be unwilling to leave Tampa Bay for Angels
October 25
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Angels remain highly interested in Tampa Bay General Manager Andrew Friedman, but their chances of luring the 34-year-old executive away from the Rays are slim, according to people familiar with the team's GM search who are not authorized to speak publicly on the topic. Owner Arte Moreno and team president John Carpino met last week in Florida with Friedman, who has helped build the small-market Rays into perennial playoff contenders despite extremely limited resources — their $42-million payroll this season was less than one-third of the $142 million the Angels spent on players. Friedman appears to be the favored candidate to replace Tony Reagins, who was fired as GM two days after"
Yankees officials to interview with Angels about GM vacancy
October 13
Newark Star-Ledger
 
"Two of Brian Cashman's top lieutenants in the Yankees' front office have been given permission to interview with the Los Angeles Angels, who are seeking a new general manager. According to Cashman, Billy Eppler and Damon Oppenheimer are both set to interview with the Angels, the Yankees general manager said tonight."
Black appears to be a candidate elsewhere, but perfect fit is here
October 6
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Bud Black is a logical candidate. For the job he has now. To borrow his favorite all-purpose adjective, the Padres manager is a solid choice for almost any baseball job that might materialize. He's calm and he's competent, industrious and insightful, personable and professional and still serviceable as a pitcher of batting practice. These are the same reasons why the Padres prefer he stay put."
Halos were a contender, until late swoon, bullpen woes did them in
October 4
L.A. Daily News
 
"The Angels were in contention for a playoff spot right down to the final week of the season, but their 86-76 record ultimately was a disappointment and failure. It is the first time since the 2000 and 2001 seasons the Angels have gone back-to-back years without a playoff appearance. "It was a roller-coaster year," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "It turned us inside and out. It teased us; we just didn't play at a high enough level at the end of the season. "We need to get better, no doubt we need to get better." The Angels stayed in the pennant race because of the starting pitching of Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana, and the emergence of first baseman Mark Trumbo, the probable"
Angels vow to be creative in off-season
September 30
Los Angeles Times
 
"Tony Reagins vows to approach this off-season the way the Angels like to run the bases. He will not be passive. He will not be shy. "We're going to try to be creative, aggressive, and see where things shake out," the general manager said Thursday, one day after the Angels closed a season in which they failed to make the playoffs for the second straight year. "We're not going to sit back and let things come. We're going to try to improve the club." The needs are clear. The Angels must upgrade an offense that scored 667 runs, 188 fewer than the Texas Rangers, who won the American League West by 10 games and appear built to dominate the division for years."
When rookie Trout is in, Halos often win
September 7
L.A. Daily News
 
"All season long, the Angels' youth has helped them win games. It doesn't take a die-hard fan long to remember rookie Mark Trumbo's season-saving home run against Texas or second-year center fielder Peter Bourjos' walk-off single to beat Chicago a few weeks back. Perhaps no other young gun has put more games in the win column than rookie Mike Trout. He doesn't have many season-saving home runs or walk-off hits, but when he's in the lineup, the Halos get wins. They're 18-4 in his 22 career starts. "For a young kid, what he's given to our club has been very tangible," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said of MLB's youngest player. "He'll certainly keep getting opportunities." The opportunity"
Angels' Mike Trout is minor league player of the year
September 7
Los Angeles Times
 
"Angels outfielder Mike Trout has been selected the minor league player of the year by Baseball America magazine. The Angels' top pick — and the 25th overall selection—in the 2009 draft, Trout hit .326 in 91 games for double-A Arkansas this summer with 13 triples, 11 homers and 33 stolen bases in 43 tries. Despite spending most of July and August in the major leagues, Trout led the Texas League in hitting, on-base percentage (.414) and OPS (.958). He finished in the top five in steals and runs (82)."
Angels' Garrett Richards moves to bullpen
September 6
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Angels aren't expecting the second coming of Francisco Rodriguez, the 20-year-old phenom who was called up in September 2002 and was a dominant bullpen force during the team's World Series run. But they think right-hander Garrett Richards could provide a significant boost to their playoff hopes and sagging relief corps, which is why they moved the hard-throwing 23-year-old to the bullpen after activating him from the disabled list Monday. "His future is obviously as a starter," Manager Mike Scioscia said of Richards, who made two August starts for the Angels before suffering a right groin strain. "But this month, he could have more of an impact in the bullpen if his stuff plays as well"
Angels' Jered Weaver won't pitch Friday against Twins
September 2
Los Angeles Times
 
"Reporting from Seattle — Angels ace Jered Weaver has been scratched from his scheduled start Friday in Anaheim to attend his grandfather's funeral in Oregon. Angels Manager Mike Scioscia declined to name a replacement, but right-hander Tyler Chatwood, who started 23 games for the Angels earlier this year, did not take his expected turn at triple-A Salt Lake on Wednesday and has left the club, according to a team source. "We'll have an announcement [Friday]," said Scioscia, who has few other options other than Chatwood since Joel Pineiro pitched three days ago and right-hander Trevor Bell, another possible fill-in, pitched 5 1/3 innings at Salt Lake on Thursday."
Jered Weaver agrees to five-year, $85-million extension with Angels
August 22
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Angels on Sunday reached agreement on a five-year, $85-million contract extension with Jered Weaver, extinguishing fears among the team's fans that the ace right-hander would leave as a free agent after the 2012 season. The deal, which will be officially announced Tuesday in a 2 p.m. news conference, reportedly includes a full no-trade clause and will keep Weaver, who was entering his final year of arbitration this winter, in Anaheim through 2016. The deal, with an average annual value of $17 million, will make Weaver, 28, the highest-paid pitcher in franchise history. It will be the second-largest contract the team has ever awarded, just under the five-year, $90-meal deal outfielder"
Mike Trout is called up, which means less playing time for Bobby Abreu and Vernon Wells
August 20
Los Angeles Times
 
"There was heavy action Friday in the principal's office, where struggling outfielders Vernon Wells and Bobby Abreu were summoned for lengthy individual closed-door meetings with Manager Mike Scioscia and hitting coach Mickey Hatcher. Change was in the air, precipitated by the return of 20-year-old outfielder Mike Trout, who was called up from double-A Arkansas on Friday and will push Wells and Abreu into more part-time roles. Scioscia said the speedy Trout, who hit .163 but showed much promise during a three-week stint with the Angels in July, will start at least three or four times a week, mostly in the corner outfield spots and occasionally in center. Abreu, who entered Friday hitting"
Weaver expected to draw six-game suspension
August 2
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Angels will learn Tuesday how long they'll be without ace right-hander Jered Weaver, who will be suspended for throwing at Detroit catcher Alex Avila on Sunday. Weaver is expected to get a six-day sentence — essentially one start — and a heavy fine, the same punishment meted out Monday to Cleveland pitcher Carlos Carrasco, who threw near the head of Kansas City's Billy Butler on Friday. In the Angels' 3-2 loss in Detroit, Weaver took exception to the actions of Tigers sluggers Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen, who both lingered in the batter's box, then took their time rounding the bases after hitting home runs. Plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt tried to calm Weaver, then warned both"
Angels may have a shot at Aramis Ramirez
July 29
Los Angeles Times
 
"Aramis Ramirez, reportedly among the hitters the Angels are pursuing, softened his stance on waiving his no-trade rights Thursday, increasing the likelihood of the Chicago Cubs third baseman being dealt before Sunday's nonwaiver trade deadline. Ramirez is batting .296 with 19 home runs and 62 runs batted in and has been one of baseball's hottest hitters over the past month, with nine homers and 23 RBIs in July. The 33-year-old has insisted all summer that he would not waive his no-trade clause unless it was clear to him the Cubs were in rebuilding mode. The Cubs are 42-63, 14½ games back in the National League Central, and with Thursday's trade of outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to Cleveland"
Angels could find trade potential with Marlins
July 26
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Angels reportedly remain interested in San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell, but they could turn their attention to the Marlins, who are prepared to deal relievers Leo Nunez and Randy Choate. The Marlins are scouting the Angels closely, with assistant general manager Mark Wiley following the team from Baltimore to Cleveland this week. And while Nunez, who has 28 saves and is in the final two months of a $3.65-million deal, would provide depth at the back of the Angels' bullpen, the two teams don't appear to match up. Florida is looking for a third baseman or a center fielder and the best the Angels could offer would be a deal built around either Alberto Callaspo or Maicer Izturis. The"
Angels don't appear to be looking for major deals
July 24
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Angels made major moves during the non-waiver trade period in two of the last three summers, adding first baseman Mark Teixeira in 2008 and acquiring right-hander Dan Haren last season. Don't expect the same this year. With a week to go before the July 31 deadline, the Angels have clear needs but don't appear to have the means to address them. Although General Manager Tony Reagins hasn't publicly discussed a wish list, his team could use at least one more arm at the back of the bullpen and a power bat for the middle of the lineup. Toward that end, the team has been eagerly courting the San Diego Padres, who are likely to move reliever Heath Bell or Mike Adams, possibly both. Finding"
Rangers in talks for Heath Bell, other teams also interested
July 22
SI.com
 
"The Rangers are in talks for Heath Bell. The Cardinals, Angels and Reds are also interested. The Phillies have been connected to Bell, too, but Antonio Bastardo has been lights out, Ryan Madson is coming back and Brad Lidge may be, as well. So Philly's bullpen situation isn't bad as it is."
Jose Reyes tells friends he would love to sign with Angels
July 20
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Mets shortstop Jose Reyes, whom the club would prefer to keep through the summer, has told friends he would love to sign with the Angels when he becomes a free agent after the season, a source said Tuesday. While Reyes might look good in manager Mike Scioscia's system, Angels owner Arte Moreno is unlikely to approach Reyes' asking price if Reyes does indeed demand a Carl Crawford-type contract (seven years, $142 million). Also, the Angels like Erick Aybar's dependability and consistent effort, even if his raw tools don't match Reyes'. While the Angels will consider an upgrade at third base, where this year they've gotten a reasonable batting average and on-base percentage but little in"
Aramis says he'd veto any trade
July 19
MLB.com
 
"Aramis Ramirez doesn't plan on leaving the Cubs this year. The Cubs' third baseman said prior to a 6-1 win over the Phillies on Monday that he would invoke his 10-and-5 rights and void any deal presented to him. Ramirez has 10 years in the big leagues, and five with the Cubs. FOX Sports reported the Angels were inquiring about Ramirez prior to the July 31 Trade Deadline, but he said he's not going anywhere. "I'm at the same point I was at two weeks ago, three weeks ago," said Ramirez, who homered in the first inning against the Phillies. "Right now, I'm not interested in any trade." The father of two young sons, Ramirez said he didn't want to relocate because of his family. "It is my"
Five Cubs most likely on contenders' radar
July 18
ESPN.com
 
"Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry should be a busy man, fielding calls on some of his more desirable players, as the trading deadline quickly approaches on July 31. Here's a list of players who are most likely to be sought after by contending teams. Aramis Ramirez: There is lots of interest in the 33-year-old first baseman. The Detroit Tigers, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Indians are his most likely suitors. This weekend, one of the Tigers' top scouts is watching the Cubs, and in particular, Ramirez. The Tigers have had interest in Ramirez for six weeks. The Yankees have had at least one scout watching the Cubs for at least three series in a row. With the"