Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

For Angels, Bay, Lackey and Figgins are all in play

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November 20

Los Angeles Times

"Matt Holliday is not coming. Jason Bay might be coming. John Lackey and Chone Figgins are not coming back -- not together, anyway. Those were the highlights of the state of the Angels address delivered by owner Arte Moreno on Thursday, after baseball's owners concluded their meetings here. The free-agent shopping season opens today, with owners citing an uncertain economic forecast in suggesting players might linger on the market well into the winter. Yet Moreno left one thing absolutely certain: The Angels have no interest in outfielder Matt Holliday, perhaps the best position player available in free agency. "He is not going to be an Angel," Moreno said. "We are not looking at Holliday ..."

Torii Hunter to have surgery to repair sports hernia

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November 20

Los Angeles Times

"Torii Hunter will undergo surgery on Monday in Dallas to repair a sports hernia, an injury the Angels center fielder expects to fully recover from by the start of spring training next February. The nine-time Gold Glove Award winner originally suffered the right groin injury in late May when he crashed into the wall at Dodger Stadium. He aggravated the injury several times in June before going to the disabled list for five weeks from July 10 to Aug. 16."

Dodgers won't be pursuing John Lackey

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November 19

Los Angeles Times

"Even with starting pitching as their most pressing need, the Dodgers do not plan to pursue John Lackey, the best starter available in free agency. As baseball's owners concluded their quarterly meetings here today, amid predictions from other National League executives that the Dodgers could lower their payroll substantially, Dodgers President Dennis Mannion said General Manager Ned Colletti has not been ordered to trade one of the team's eight arbitration-eligible players to save money. Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, who has not spoken publicly since his divorce proceedings started last month, declined an interview request. McCourt's estranged wife, Jamie, has asked a court to rule that she ..."

Angels owner: Bay, not Holliday, a possible pursuit

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November 19

Foxsports.com

"Angels owner Arte Moreno said today that he could envision his team pursuing Jason Bay — but not Matt Holliday — in the event that his team's prominent free agents sign elsewhere. Moreno said he would like to bring back John Lackey, Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero but acknowledged that it's unlikely the Angels can afford all three."

Angels focused on own free agents

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November 19

MLB.com

"The waiting game continues for the three-time reigning American League West champion Angels. With six players eligible for bids when free agency's doors swing open at 9:01 p.m. PT on Thursday night, the Angels have much to resolve before forging on with the shaping of their 2010 roster. Ace John Lackey, offensive catalyst Chone Figgins and cleanup man Vladimir Guerrero all are ready to start fielding offers along with bullpen glue Darren Oliver, versatile Robb Quinlan and comeback-minded Kelvim Escobar. "I don't think anything's changed from our perspective," said Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who is in constant contact with general manager Tony Reagins. "Those guys are all priorities for ..."

Holliday, Bay, Lackey top Mets' shopping list

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November 19

New York Post

"The Mets have talked a good game about spending money and retooling this offseason. Now it's time to back it all up. With free agency at hand starting at 12:01 tomorrow morning, all eyes will be on the Wilpons and general manager Omar Minaya to see if they follow through on their public vow to be major players in the market this winter. Coming off this year's 70-92 disaster, the Mets have a pressing need for more power and openings that include a left fielder, a No. 2 starter, a veteran catcher, a platoon first baseman and a setup man for All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez. The Mets have identified Matt Holliday and Jason Bay as top candidates to fill the power void in left, John Lackey ..."

Big package needed to acquire Adrian Gonzalez

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November 18

SI.com

"Adrian Gonzalez: Any acquiring team would have to put together a tremendous package for the superstar player with the most reasonable multiyear contract in baseball ($10.5 million over the next two years). The silliest rumor so far had Gonzalez possibly going in a three-way trade with Paul Konerko going to the Angels and prospects to the Padres. Beyond the fact the Angels have a great first baseman in Kendry Morales, Konerko's high contract makes him a giveaway at this point."

Nationals interested in John Lackey

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November 18

MLB.com

"The Nationals are one of several teams who have expressed interest in free agent right-hander John Lackey, according to a baseball source. The team is reportedly in competition with the Angels, Red Sox, Yankees and Mets for his services. The Nationals are looking for an ace who can tutor pitchers such as John Lannan, Ross Detwiler and Stephen Strasburg. Washington has been looking for this type of pitcher since after the Trade Deadine. It ended up signing right-hander Livan Hernandez in late August. While he did a god job for the Nationals, it's less than 50-50 that he will return to the club. Lackey, who is 31-years old, has played his entire eight-year career with the Angels. He ..."

Angels GM says focus is not on outfielder Matt Holliday

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November 17

Los Angeles Times

"General Manager Tony Reagins on Monday shot down a Foxsports.com report that the Angels are one of three teams, along with the Yankees and Red Sox, that have expressed serious interest in free-agent outfielder Matt Holliday. "He's a talented player," Reagins said of Holliday, who hit .313 with 24 home runs and 109 runs batted in for the Oakland Athletics and St. Louis Cardinals in 2009 and could command a deal in excess of $100 million. "But our focus is not on him right now." The team's top priorities are to re-sign pitcher John Lackey and third baseman Chone Figgins, but Reagins, who secured outfielder Bobby Abreu to a three-year, $19-million deal on Nov. 5, hinted that it is unlikely ..."

No lack of interest in Angels pitcher

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November 15

MLB.com

"All eyes were on John Lackey as a 23-year-old rookie when he won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series, and all eyes are on him seven years later now that he's finally a free agent. The big Angels right-hander is in the enviable position of being the top name in the pitching category of the Hot Stove season, and already the clubs are lining up to have a word with his agent, Steve Hilliard. As a busy Friday turned into a relatively quiet Saturday, Hilliard and Lackey could take a weekend to reflect on the interest that's already white-hot even before the Angels lose exclusive negotiating rights next Friday a minute after midnight. The Red Sox, Mets and Brewers have already had discussions with ..."

Red Sox eye John Lackey

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November 14

Boston Herald

"Six weeks ago, John Lackey hastened the Red Sox along the short road to winter vacation with a dominating victory in Game 1 of the AL Division Series for the Los Angeles Angels. Now, he may be one of their first targets in free agency. According to a major league source, the Sox met with the right-hander's agent at the GM meetings earlier this week in Chicago. The Sox expressed preliminary interest in the consensus top starter on the market. Although the club currently has its entire rotation under contract - Jon Lester, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, Daisuke Matsuzaka and Tim Wakefield - last season proved there's no such thing as too much pitching. The Red Sox burned through 11 starters ..."

Mets eye free agents Orlando Hudson, Chone Figgins

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November 12

New York Daily News

"Trying to rid themselves of an ill-advised contract, the Mets shopped Luis Castillo during the GM Meetings that concluded Wednesday. Still, despite the veteran second baseman hitting .302 this season and staying healthy, GM Omar Minaya may have a difficult time moving Castillo. Castillo is midway through a four-year, $25 million deal that blocked the Mets from signing free agent Orlando Hudson last winter. Castillo had met with team officials at the end of the 2008 season to apologize for his performance and request to remain with the team. The Chicago Tribune reported the Cubs are interested in Castillo and are attempting to rope in a third team such as Tampa Bay or Texas as a way of ..."

Mets 'absolutely in' on Figgins, could replace Castillo

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November 11

New York Post

"Though they are fixated on adding a power bat such as Matt Holliday or Jason Bay, the Mets are in the words of an involved party "absolutely in" on free agent Chone Figgins. One Mets official said Figgins would be "hard to fit" into their current situation. Translation: It would be a whole lot easier if they could trade the two years at $12 million left on Luis Castillo's contract to create money and a second base opening for Figgins. "Castillo is definitely in play," an NL executive said. For example, the Mets talked to the Diamondbacks about flipping Castillo for catcher Chris Snyder, a discussion that now appears dead. The other alternative would be to play Figgins in left field and try ..."

Versatile Figgins drawing plenty of interest, especially from Phillies

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November 11

SI.com

"Beyond the "Big Three" free agents (Matt Holliday, John Lackey and Jason Bay), there's still some decent action going on here at the GM meetings. And if there's a fourth coveted free agent, it just might be versatile leadoff man Chone Figgins, who is drawing interest from some unexpected sources. The two-time defending National League champion Phillies are said to be intent on pursuing Figgins hard as a potential replacement for Pedro Feliz, whose $5.5 million option was declined. Agents were jolted that a seemingly reasonable option such as that was rejected ("That's what we've come to? Pedro Feliz is a $4 million player?" asked one incredulously). But the reality is that the Phillies ..."

Minaya going after, well, everybody

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November 11

Foxsports.com

"The Mets plan to pursue virtually every big name on the free-agent and trade markets, from Roy Halladay and John Lackey to Jason Bay and Matt Holliday. Agents and rival executives, however, are skeptical that the Mets actually will land any of those players, believing that the team ultimately will settle for second-tier talent. Mets general manager Omar Minaya loves to play at the top of the market. And the Mets, coming off a 92-loss season, are not about to tell their fans that they will aim low. Still, the Mets' needs are significant enough that one or two major additions might not put the team in contention. Minaya says he wants to add at least one starting pitcher. The Mets also need ..."

Angels still in hunt to re-sign Lackey

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November 11

Foxsports.com

columnist Ken Rosenthal

"Don't rule the Angels out of the John Lackey sweepstakes just yet. The Angels remain interested in re-signing their free-agent right-hander, according to major-league sources. Plan B, if Lackey signs with another club, could be a renewed effort to trade for Blue Jays right-hander Roy Halladay. Either way, securing a top-of-the-rotation starter appears to be a priority for the Angels, who recognize that Lackey is drawing early interest from the Yankees, the team that beat them in the American League Championship Series. The loss of Lackey and inability to replace him would leave the Angels with a rotation headed by right-handers Jered Weaver and Ervin Santana and left-handers Joe Saunders ..."

Angels still trying to keep Figgins; will wait on Vladdy

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November 10

SI.com

"The Angels are trying to keep free agent and leadoff man extraordinaire Chone Figgins in the fold. They've been talking to him about a contract for two months, and Angels GM Tony Reagins said he's "hopeful'' that something can get done. Meanwhile, White Sox GM Ken Williams said Figgins is out of their price range. Reagins said he doesn't expect to make a quick deal with free agent Vladimir Guerrero, but doesn't rule out one later. That possibility might depend on Guerrero not getting what he wants elsewhere first, then coming back to the Angels later."

Yankees won't lack for Lackey, Mets hesitant

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November 10

SI.com

"The Yankees are expected to make a play for top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, as was reported here on Monday, and there are indications that they are considering something in "the range of A.J. Burnett,'' which means $82.5 million over five years. Lackey is better than Burnett in many ways. But, considering a diminishing appetite for big contracts among other teams, one competing GM opined, "If the Yankees do that, they'll get him.'' Beyond Lackey plus outfielders Matt Holliday and Bay, the market is one of the weaker ones in years. Some very needy teams (i.e. the Mets) are generally unenthused about the market, especially from a starting pitching standpoint. "Some years are better than ..."

Cubs trying hard to trade Bradley

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November 10

SI.com

"The Cubs are trying hard to dump the perennially malcontented Milton Bradley here at the GM meetings, as it isn't just manager Lou Piniella who didn't connect with him in his season here. Apparently, several key members of the team -- including Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano -- barely speak to Bradley. "I don't think they dislike him. But Milton's a unique guy who doesn't fit in, like the oddball kid in class,'' one Cubs-connected person said. "He doesn't try to fit in. The other guys tried to take him in, but he's one of those kids that simply doesn't want to be part of anything,'' one Cubs person said. The Chicago Tribune reported that a Bradley blowup with now-deposed hitting coach ..."

ChiSox not confident about Figgins

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November 10

Foxsports.com

"The White Sox need a leadoff man, but the team still expects that free agent Chone Figgins will be out of their price range. Figgins could fit for the Sox at third, with the White Sox moving newly acquired Mark Teahen to right field, or in left field. Rival scouts and executives view Teahen as a below-average defender at third, but the Sox likely will keep him in that spot and seek an outfielder who could hit at the top of the order. If the Sox added no one, they could use Gordon Beckham at leadoff. Another option could be top outfield prospect Jordan Danks, who could emerge as this year's Beckham from the farm system. The expectation, however, is that the Sox will add a leadoff man."

Brewers unlikely to land Lackey

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November 10

Foxsports.com

"The Brewers badly need starting pitching. They bid $100 million for left-hander CC Sabathia last winter. But they do not expect to be a serious player for righty John Lackey, the top free agent available this offseason. Lackey, Brewers officials believe, would prefer to go to a larger market. The Brewers almost certainly would not make the best offer, and Lackey might only use their proposal to persuade other clubs to bid higher. The Brewers' most pressing decision involves whether to exercise the $6.5 million option on right-hander Braden Looper or pay him a $1 million buyout. They are likely to pursue mid-rotation starters such as left-handers Doug Davis and Jarrod Washburn."

Phillies decline Feliz' 2010 option

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November 9

Philadelphia Daily News

"THE PHILLIES are officially in the market for a third baseman, bringing a new level of intrigue to the offseason as members of the front office arrive in Chicago today for the start of baseball's annual general managers meetings. Last night, the club announced that it has declined Pedro Feliz' $5.5 million option for the 2010 season, making the 2-year starter a free agent. It leaves general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. with an opportunity to upgrade a lineup that led the National League in runs and home runs, but was prone to maddening stretches of impotence, thanks in part to its vulnerability against lefthanded pitchers. Feliz contributed to both areas, driving in 82 runs and hitting .336 ..."

Figgins a tough decision for Angels

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November 8

Orange County Register

columnist Mark Whicker

"On July 14, 2001, the Register reported the Angels had traded Kimera Bartee to Colorado for an infielder named Desmond Figgins. Desmond DeChone Figgins, to be precise. None of his three names seemed destined for fame. Figgins had spent two years in the Carolina League. He did have a fanciful 34 triples that second year, but he was in Double-A when the Angels got him. It was hard to imagine that he would ever be a tough decision for the Angels. He is now. Assuming that he files for free agency, Chone Figgins is fixing to find out how much he is loved and, more important, valued. He is one of the best offensive players in this class. Even the most critical Angels fans must admit that Figgins ..."

Could Oakland A's go after Chone Figgins or Vladimir Guerrero?

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November 8

Contra Costa Times

"Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero, a pair of free agents from the Los Angeles Angels, could be offseason targets of the Oakland A's. At least that's part of the speculation of Jon Heyman of the MLB Network. Where would Figgins fit in with the A's? Would adding the injury-prone Guerrero be just another in a line of the A's failed signings of declining All-Stars?"

Angels, Abreu agree to new contract

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November 5

Orange County Register

"On the first day eligible players can file for free agency, the Angels headed that off with one of their seven potential free agents by reaching agreement with outfielder Bobby Abreu on a two-year contract with a club option for 2012. Abreu, 35, signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Angels on the eve of spring training this year. He hit .293 with 96 runs scored, 103 RBI and 30 stolen bases. "I am very happy to sign this contract," Abreu said in the team's press release. "I really enjoyed my first season with the club. The Angels are a solid organization, with an outstanding team and great fans. With the talent we have, I look forward to the opportunity of post-season competition once ..."

Matthews wants out of LA

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October 28

Los Angeles Times

"Three key Angels headed for free agency -- Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu and Vladimir Guerrero -- have publicly expressed a desire to return to Anaheim, and center fielder Torii Hunter, after talking to free-agent pitcher John Lackey, is convinced the right-hander wants to remain an Angel. Gary Matthews Jr.? Not so much. The disgruntled outfielder with two years and $23 million left on his contract wants no part of the Angels in 2010, and he reiterated his request to be traded -- or released -- while cleaning out his Angel Stadium locker Tuesday. "I don't expect to be back; it's time to move on," Matthews said. "I'm ready to play for an organization that wants me to play every day. This ..."

Angels facing roster dilemma

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October 27

Orange County Register

columnist Mark Whicker

"Last year, Mark Teixeira, Frankie Rodriguez and Garret Anderson were in the Angels' graduating class of sixth-year seniors. They were the free agents who left and probably were taking the Angels' AL West title with them. The Angels went to spring training anyway, and went a step further in the playoffs than they did in 2008 and, probably, wound up a better team. It's not a half-empty, half-full thing. It's the hole-in-the-water theory. Eventually, it gets filled. This year the class is bigger and more substantial. The hole is deeper, too, and there's a water shortage. The possible free agents are John Lackey, Vladimir Guerrero, Chone Figgins, Bobby Abreu and Darren Oliver. Those are vital ..."

Mets not interested in Lackey or Bradley; Holliday tops their list

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October 26

SI.com

(scroll down)

"The Mets don't seem inclined to pursue top free-agent pitcher John Lackey, who will surely shoot for a $100 million-plus contract in light of A.J. Burnett's $82.5 million deal. They do want to add a solid starting pitcher (they may try a do-over on Randy Wolf), but their big-ticket target is most likely going to be a left fielder. Matt Holliday is believed to top their list, though Jason Bay will certainly suffice. Bobby Abreu is another top free-agent outfielder, while Carl Crawford could be available in trade. The Mets have no interest in taking on Milton Bradley's problems."

Is it time to say goodbye Vlad?

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October 26

Orange County Register

columnist Mark Saxon

"Vladimir Guerrero arrived in Anaheim six years ago as an enigma, a player the Angels knew as much about by way of legend as by scouting report. That cloud of mystery followed him to the door. Guerrero may have watched the final inning of his Angels career from the bench Sunday, after he was lifted for pinch runner Reggie Willits in the eighth inning of the Angels' 5-2 loss to the New York Yankees in Game 6 of the ALCS. The game encapsulated all the brilliant and baffling aspects of Guerrero's Hall of Fame-worthy career. How can you get an RBI post-season hit off Mariano Rivera? Nobody does that, at least not in this millennium. How could anyone even make contact with that sixth-inning ..."

Scioscia: Lackey likely in a Game 7

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October 24

New York Post

"The chances for rain and thunder at game time tonight are 90 percent. Should Game 6 be postponed until Sunday night and the Angels then win it, the forecast for John Lackey starting game 7 Monday night on three days' rest is somewhere between 90 and 100 percent. Asked yesterday if Lackey would be used on three days' rest, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said he would. "If there is an opportunity to look at bringing a guy like John back, it's something we would certainly consider," Scioscia said. "We have talked about a lot of different scenarios. I think we're gong to let this thing unfold a little bit and see how the weekend goes." Unfolded were Scioscia's Angels in Game 5, rallying from a ..."

Angels' ace John Lackey should hear pitch from Mets

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October 9

New York Daily News

"He has had a big-game reputation since he won Game 7 of the 2002 World Series as a 24-year-old rookie, yet John Lackey hadn't won a postseason start since that magical night. And last October he had raised eyebrows in his own clubhouse by complaining about a lack of offense after losing to the Red Sox. Suffice to say he has restored his reputation. On a night when the Angels needed someone to simply refuse to lose to the Red Sox and send a message that the past is the past, Lackey proved his worth in more ways than one. In one way, by throwing 7-1/3 shutout innings, he may well have set exactly the tone the Angels need to finally play their way past the Red Sox in the postseason. In ..."

Cuban defector attracts interest

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September 27

Los Angeles Times

"The Angels plan to take a look at Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban defector with the 100-mph fastball . . . if he is willing to face a hitter. Chapman was granted free agency Friday. The Angels will join the stampede to scout the 22-year-old left-hander, with the New York Yankees, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox among the clubs expected to rush in as well. "I'm sure we'll be interested," Angels scouting director Eddie Bane said. "I think everybody will be interested." Bane said he has heard that Chapman might throw for scouts in a bullpen session or two, then invite offers. "That's not going to get it done," Bane said. "Nobody's going to invest that kind of money in a guy off a bullpen, and ..."

Pitcher Chapman awaits MLB's ruling

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September 22

ESPN.com

"Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban defector considered to be one of the top pitching prospects in the world, petitioned Major League Baseball for free-agency status recently and is likely only weeks from becoming a free agent, according to his agent. Early Monday, Chapman's representatives announced that the left-hander has established residency in Andorra, a tiny country of about 84,000 that borders Spain and France. By establishing residency outside the United States, the 21-year-old Chapman avoids being subject to baseball's amateur draft. MLB must study his residency and legal paperwork before declaring him a free agent. "We chose Andorra because of its tranquility, its tax benefits for ..."

Fuentes, Jepsen could share ninth inning

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September 15

MLB.com

"Brian Fuentes' two-out save on Sunday might be more of a common occurrence for the Halos down the stretch, as manager Mike Scioscia didn't dismiss the possibility of using reliever Kevin Jepsen in certain situations to open the ninth inning. "Both guys have been an important part of the back end of the bullpen," Scioscia said prior to the Angels' makeup game at Yankee Stadium on Monday night. "But if there are some matches that could be advantageous [to use Jepsen], we will try to take advantage of [them]." It's no secret that Fuentes has struggled at times in the closer's role, as the four-time All-Star entered Monday with a 5.40 ERA in seven outings over five innings in September. In his ..."

Chicago White Sox setting table for off-season moves

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September 11

Chicago Tribune

"Addressing the White Sox's priorities for 2010 will be more complex than simply signing Angels free agents Chone Figgins and Bobby Abreu to fill their leadoff and left-handed run-producing concerns. General manager Ken Williams is placing his immediate thrust in this season's final 21 games toward seeing if the Sox can make a late push toward the American League Central title and aligning the team quickly for what could be an unpredictable off-season. "First, I have to let this play out and see how we finish, what that means in terms of next year's projections. Once marketing and sales gives us all the information, [Sox Chairman] Jerry Reinsdorf will give me a budget number," Williams ..."

Chone Figgins is a wanted man

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September 10

Los Angeles Times

"Speculation has already begun in Chicago and New York. The White Sox need a versatile defender who can lead off, the Cubs need more speed and on-base ability at the top of the order, the Yankees want a leadoff man to push Derek Jeter to the second spot. And Chone Figgins, the Angels' third baseman and leadoff batter extraordinaire, is at the top of each team's winter shopping list. "It's always good to be wanted," said Figgins, who will become a free agent after the season. "But when you find a home, you want to stay here. I love what this organization is all about -- winning, playing hard. I love being here." The Angels hold exclusive negotiating rights to Figgins for 15 days after the ..."

Angels' Chone Figgins may be on Cubs' radar

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September 7

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs spent the winter of 2007-08 unsuccessfully trying to acquire leadoff man Brian Roberts from the Orioles. Now they may spend the 2009-10 off-season trying to sign free-agent leadoff man Chone Figgins from the Angels. Asked if Kosuke Fukudome would be his leadoff man in 2010, Lou Piniella replied: "It's a possibility. I would think that we'd probably try to add more speed, but we'll see. That's just a conjecture, nothing more, nothing less. But if not, certainly Fukudome would be a candidate." Figgins, a switch-hitter who can play second, third or any outfield spot, is hitting .303 with a .399 on-base percentage and 39 stolen bases in 55 attempts. Fukudome is hitting .300 in 100 ..."

Angels' Saunders to start Wednesday

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August 25

L.A. Daily News

"Manager Mike Scioscia made it official Monday that left-hander Joe Saunders will return to the rotation Wednesday afternoon against the Detroit Tigers. Saunders has been on the disabled list since Aug. 8 with left shoulder stiffness. He said he had been feeling shoulder stiffness since spring training, but it didn't start affecting his numbers until May. Saunders started the season 5-1 with a 2.66 ERA over his first seven starts, but was 4-5 with a 6.36 ERA over his past 15. He finally gave into the discomfort in an Aug. 7 start against the Texas Rangers when he gave up five runs in just 1 2/3 innings. Saunders will jump into the rotation spot most recently occupied by Sean O'Sullivan, who ..."

Joe Saunders take a big step toward returning to Angels' rotation

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August 22

Los Angeles Times

"Joe Saunders took a significant step in his return from shoulder tightness, throwing 55 maximum-effort pitches during a three-inning simulated game in the Rogers Centre bullpen Friday. If the Angels left-hander feels as good after a similar workout Sunday or Monday, he will rejoin the rotation later in the week. "This is the best I've felt since last year," said Saunders, who has benefited from an Aug. 8 cortisone shot and some rest. "I long-tossed farther than I ever have for four out of five days, and my arm has responded great. There's no tightness, no soreness, knock on wood. I'm ready to get back out there." Saunders was an All-Star in 2008, when he was 17-7 with a 3.41 earned-run ..."

Hunter could be ready to go this weekend

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August 11

Orange County Register

"According to reports, the Dodgers' Manny Ramirez spent five days on a rehab assignment and never paid for the postgame meal for his minor league teammates. The Angels' Torii Hunter has different plans. "Every night," he said. "I've been in A-ball. I know what it's like. We're going to definitely have some good food down there." Hunter's three games playing for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga are scheduled to begin tonight. He then will board a plane for Baltimore on Friday and likely be activated either Saturday or Sunday. Hunter went through a tiring workout at Angel Stadium on Monday in which he tested himself in all phases of the game. He said his injured groin muscle is at "90 percent" and ..."

Is a trade about to go down?

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July 31

Orange County Register

"Something is afoot in Minneapolis. The Angels brought along two players from Triple-A Salt Lake when they only have one roster spot. Coming up are utility man Sean Rodriguez and catcher Bobby Wilson. Adding to the suspicion that a trade is imminent: Juan Rivera figures to get most of the designated-hitter at-bats on the artificial turf at the Metrodome, so why do the Angels need a third catcher?"

Angels, Marlins interested in Bell

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July 31

San Diego Union-Tribune

"Heath Bell called it the kiss of death. "We just signed a one-year lease on a home in San Diego," the closer said Thursday in the Padres' clubhouse. "Before signing the lease, I didn't give a second thought to the possibility of being traded. But as soon as I signed the lease, I'm thinking, 'Oh, no.' " Bell hasn't been traded yet. But his name moved to the front of the potential trades Padres General Manager Kevin Towers is considering as Friday's 1 p.m. trade deadline approaches. Late Thursday night, both the Los Angeles Angels and Florida Marlins were still talking to the Padres regarding Bell, who has successfully converted 25 of 26 save opportunities this season. But Bell said he ..."

Angels don't look to be in Halladay chase

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July 30

Foxsports.com

"In the end, the Angels were not serious players for Indians left-hander Cliff Lee, according to a major-league source. They do not appear to be serious players for Roy Halladay, either. The Angels, according to FOXSports.com's Jon Paul Morosi, rejected a Blue Jays' proposal that would have required them to part with three major leaguers — left-hander Joe Saunders, shortstop Erick Aybar and infielder Brandon Wood. The talks since have failed to gain traction, with one source saying that the Angels simply do not match up well with the Jays. "If those are the levels, we're not going to do an 11th-hour entry," one Angels source said, referring to the Blue Jays' initial asking price. "We're not ..."

Obstacles aplenty in any potential Halladay deals

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July 30

CBSSports.com

"The Philadelphia Phillies now off the table after acquiring Cliff Lee from Cleveland, Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi says his "gut" tells him that ace Roy Halladay will remain with the Blue Jays through Friday's deadline. Trade deadline translation: Less than 48 hours until Friday's non-waivers trade deadline, Ricciardi's gut is telling him that it doesn't like what the Angels, Red Sox, Dodgers, Rangers and Yankees are offering. "My gut tells me [that he won't be traded]," Ricciardi told colleague Danny Knobler shortly after learning Wednesday that the Phillies had re-directed away from Halladay and latched onto Lee. "We haven't been moved enough to move the player." No doubt, ..."

Lackey makes pitch for Halladay

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July 30

Orange County Register

"S o you want the Angels to add an ace? Guess what? That Angels' ace wants the Angels to add an ace, too. "Roy Halladay?" John Lackey said. "I'm all for it. To me, he's the best pitcher in the league. Besides, a little healthy competition is good for a rotation." There's the Angels' best pitcher making his best pitch. If Lackey had stated these feelings on Twitter, this would be breaking news, right up there with reporter Dwyane Wade reporting that basketball player Dwyane Wade wants Lamar Odom as a teammate. There is, however, one big difference between you and Lackey. You're guaranteed to be here next year. An impending free agent, Lackey could spend the summer of 2010 anywhere from ..."

O'Sullivan could be arm Angels are looking for

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July 30

L.A. Daily News

"Cliff Lee is headed to Philadelphia, Roy Halladay might not go anywhere and Sean O'Sullivan just worked himself into the mix again. When it comes to the future of the Angels' rotation, the latest twist is that a rookie in the team's own system could provide the shot in the arm the pitchers need so desperately. Cleveland's Lee and Toronto's Halladay were a pair of standout veterans high on the Angels' wish list, but as expected, the asking price for each was unworkable. The Angels reportedly didn't have the young pitching the Indians desired in return for Lee, and in the case of Halladay, that option would have required too many pieces from the big-league roster to make it happen. ..."

Trade Roundup: Clubs shift focus to Lee

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July 29

MLB.com

"Talk is never cheap this time of the year, especially when the conversations involve trading away several top prospects to land one big prize.But how much is too much? What's fair? General managers across the league are likely pondering similar questions and weighing different scenarios as the clock ticks toward Friday's 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline.Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay remains the biggest star available on the market but it appears that he is staying Toronto. Tuesday marked the flexible deadline that Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi set for potentially dealing Halladay, but he said club was not close to reaching a decision on the pitcher."It doesn't matter if it's ..."

Angels remain in trade talks, but no deal yet

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July 29

Los Angeles Times

"As night fell in the west Tuesday, Roy Halladay remained a Toronto Blue Jay, Cliff Lee remained a Cleveland Indian, and Tony Reagins remained a general manager in pursuit of both, even though the Angels' chances of acquiring either ace seem remote. "I've had extensive conversations with several teams," Reagins said Tuesday of his search for a front-of-the-rotation starter. "If there was a match, we'd have a deal done. Right now, there hasn't been a fit." According to reports, the Blue Jays asked the Angels for shortstop Erick Aybar, a big league starter -- Jered Weaver or Joe Saunders -- infield prospect Brandon Wood and a top prospect such as double-A pitcher Trevor Reckling or outfielder ..."

Lee prefers to stay in Cleveland, but OK with trade

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July 28

Foxsports.com

"Cliff Lee will not be upset if he is traded. While the Indians left-hander wants to spend the rest of his career in Cleveland, he recognizes that his time with the team is running short. Lee, after learning in spring training that the Indians would not sign him to a contract extension, told the team that he plans to become a free agent when his current deal expires after the 2010 season, according to his agent, Darek Braunecker. A trade appears inevitable, perhaps even by Friday's non-waiver deadline. Lee, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, would prefer such a move to happen sooner rather than later, Braunecker said. The Phillies, Dodgers, Angels, Rays and Rangers are ..."

Indians' Lee now a trade target for Angels

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July 28

L.A. Daily News

"A new day and a new trade rumor for the Angels, this time with a player sitting in the opposite dugout. While no progress has been made toward acquiring the Toronto Blue Jays' Roy Halladay, the team's reported next target is Cleveland Indians ace Cliff Lee. The Indians started a three-game series with the Angels at Angel Stadium on Monday, but Lee is not scheduled to pitch. The left-hander last took the mound Sunday and continued his revival from a slow start to the season. Lee pitched seven solid innings at Seattle, winning his third consecutive start. After starting the season 1-5, Lee entered play Monday with the seventh best ERA in the American League at 3.14. He is first in innings ..."

Angels Trade Rumors