Angels Trade Rumors

"Opening Day might be a point of no return for the Angels and closer Francisco Rodriguez, but neither side is willing to say so at this point."

" The 300-homer club isn't as exclusive, but currently just 115 players have hit that mark, so it's still a significant achievement. And while he may not be back with the Angels next season -- the team holds a $14 million option and a $3 million buyout -- the 13-year veteran doesn't want to delay retirement just to hit some round numbers. "

"Increasingly displeased by their product on the field, Giants officials have become more aggressive on the trade front and recently asked the Los Angeles Angels about first baseman Casey Kotchman and catcher Jeff Mathis, according to sources. It's possible that the two clubs discussed sending Bengie Molina back to Anaheim; Angels officials are said to miss the former Gold Glove catcher's leadership and game-calling skills."

"The Angels could deal either Juan Rivera or Reggie Willits. In Boston, Coco Crisp won't be an everyday player after the emergence of Jacoby Ellsbury. But Crisp is banged up, and two other outfielders who might otherwise be good fits for the Rays - Toronto's Reed Johnson and Cincinnati's Ryan Freel - have had trouble staying healthy at times."

"Some free-agent options are available, such as Kenny Lofton and, of course, Barry Bonds. But the Rays seem more likely to first explore trade possibilities, with names to keep in mind including Dave Dellucci (Indians), Gabe Gross (Brewers), Skip Schumaker (Cardinals), Reggie Willits (Angels) and, less likely, Reed Johnson (Blue Jays)."

"Rivera, who hit .310 with 23 home runs and 85 RBIs in 2006 before missing most of 2007 because of a broken leg, could replace Garret Anderson's production -- for a much cheaper price -- if the Angels don't pick up Anderson's $14-million option for 2009."

" With players like Juan Rivera, Reggie Willits and Robb Quinlan expected to fill reserve spots and others like Kendry Morales and Nathan Haynes likely headed for Class AAA, the Angels have several who could play more prominent roles on other teams."

"Ultimately, the Cubs felt Pie deserved a chance to win the job in spring training, and they believed they could pick up a complementary player who could start against left-handers. Aside from Byrd and Crisp, other outfielders who can play center and may be available include Baltimore's Jay Payton, Cincinnati's Ryan Freel and the Los Angeles Angels' Reggie Willits. Payton, 35, has been rumored to be part of any Brian Roberts trade."

"Towers and Red Sox GM Theo Epstein were in contact yesterday. Epstein has two center fielders, and one of them, Coco Crisp, could be available... Last year, the Padres asked the Brewers about reserve center fielder Tony Gwynn Jr. The Angels have a glut of outfielders, including two center fielders who are likely cheaply available: Nathan Haynes, who is out of minor league options; and Reggie Willits, who may not crack the 25-man roster."

"The Angels offered Ervin Santana a slight raise. When he said no, they imposed a pay cut. Santana, who did not pitch in Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, went 7-14 with a 5.76 earned-run average last season, and the Angels demoted him to the minor leagues for one month."

"It would seem reasonable to think that of all people within the Angels organization, Scot Shields would be the one most anticipating Francisco Rodriguez's potential departure."

"The Rays think they have a chance to be taken seriously this year, with or without Bonds, but it would be fun to see him battle the Yankees in New York and the Red Sox in Boston. Where else could Bonds fit? Cleveland, but only if the Indians were willing to play him in left field. The Los Angeles Angels, although he would have to rotate in and out of the lineup if Vlad Guerrero, Garret Anderson and Gary Matthews Jr. are all healthy. Minnesota, but there's no way owner Carl Pohlad would pay him. The best fit of all for Bonds could be in Atlanta, however, with a hole in left field and Bobby Cox to keep him in line."

"It's not as if Garret Anderson is staring into some deep, dark abyss. Does he have any idea whether he will be employed a year from now? No. If he is, does he have any idea where he'll work? No."

" Garret Anderson is facing the same situation. He's in the final year of a four-year, $48 million deal, and the Angels hold a $14 million option for next year. They can buy out Anderson out for $3 million, which seems the more likely scenario."

"The Angels aren't the only ones impressed. Adenhart's name became a constant when teams talked trade with the Angels. He was included - along with Howie Kendrick and Jeff Mathis - in a package offered to the Marlins for Cabrera and also heard his name bandied about in speculation about a potential bid for the Minnesota Twins' ace, Santana."

"If Rodriguez does leave the Angels as a free agent, though, the team will have a big opening to fill. Converting Santana from starter to closer is one option, but it's a switch Santana said he has not considered."

"After signing that contract extension four years ago, Anderson said "never once did I think about leaving" the Angels. This time, though, he realizes that is a decision he might have to make in the fall."

" Francisco Rodriguez caused a stir in Angels camp when he told reporters this was probably his last year with the team. Meanwhile, Garret Anderson sits quietly in front of his locker most days, aware that he could be going through his final spring training with the Angels after 18 years in the organization."

"Owner Arte Moreno is frustrated by the Angels' inability to secure Francisco Rodriguez to a long-term contract, but despite the closer's saying this would "probably" be his last year in Anaheim, Moreno hasn't given up on an extension."

"Angels owner Arte Moreno kept checking his cell phone while talking to reporters behind the batting cage at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Thursday. Moreno finally got the call he was waiting for around 12:15 p.m. local time when general manager Tony Reagins called to say Francisco Rodriguez's salary arbitration hearing in Florida had ended after approximately five hours. "

"Moreno said he was optimistic the Angels would sign Rodriguez to a multi-year contract and avoid arbitration this winter. But "things changed when Rivera got his deal from the Yankees and Cordero got his deal.""

" Close to five hours after the hearing began, Moreno heard that a decision is expected this morning whether Rodriguez will be awarded the Angels' offer of $10 million or his request of $12.5 million. But that didn't prevent Moreno from venting his frustration over not being able to lock up the two-time All-Star closer to a multi-year deal, though he remained optimistic something could be worked out. "

"Maintaining a proper frame of mind might be a challenge this season for Francisco Rodriguez, the Angels closer who is headed for arbitration Thursday and, it's beginning to seem, out the door as a free agent after 2008."

"Francisco Rodriguez reported Sunday for what he says likely will be his last season with the Angels."

"Francisco Rodriguez reported Sunday for what he says will likely be his last season with the Angels."

"As his pending arbitration case heads for a hearing on Thursday in St. Petersburg, Fla., Francisco Rodriguez appears trapped in a game of chicken with the Angels and neither side looks ready to move."

"Francisco Rodriguez, at odds with the team over his 2008 contract, was a no-show for the first workout for pitchers and catchers Friday, but his agent assured the team its star reliever has not begun a holdout."

"Pitchers and catchers took the field for the first workout of spring training Friday. But Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez wasn't even in the country yet."

"Pitchers and catchers took the field for the first workout of spring training Friday. But Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez wasn't even in the country yet."

"It's curious, considering the circumstances, that Francisco Rodriguez wasn't in camp on Friday during the first day that pitchers and catchers worked out. Despite his absence, neither the Angels nor Rodriguez's agent said the closer's nonappearance was related to his upcoming arbitration case. "

"The Angels and closer Francisco Rodriguez have made no progress in negotiations for a 2008 contract, and it seems almost certain the two sides will have to settle their dispute during a Feb. 21 arbitration hearing in St. Petersburg, Fla."

"The Pirates are one of three teams scouting former Cy Young Award winner Bartolo Colon in the Dominican Republic, but there was no indication yesterday that their interest extended beyond window-shopping."

"Paul Konerko admitted that he can't help but take frequent glances at his cell phone, especially in the wake of a report out of Los Angeles this month that the Angels were interested in acquiring him."

"A healthy Chavez would seem to be a perfect fit for the Angels, a veteran who provides Gold Glove-caliber defense and legitimate power from the left side. But before the Angels even think about pursuing Chavez, they must be convinced he has fully recovered from three operations he had in the span of two months last fall."

"Francisco Rodriguez on Friday asked the Angels to pay him $12.5 million this year, in what could be his final season with the club. The Angels offered their All-Star closer $10 million. "

"The Angels avoided arbitration with two more players Friday by reaching one-year agreements with infielders Maicer Izturis and Casey Kotchman. But an expensive showdown looms with their final arbitration-eligible player — closer Francisco Rodriguez."

"White Sox general manager Ken Williams spent Saturday flatly denying a fast-spreading story that Paul Konerko was being traded to the Angels for infielder Howie Kendrick and pitcher Ervin Santana."

"The rumors of Paul Konerko being traded to the Los Angeles Angels evidently don't believe in dying. First whispered in August, the story was given new legs Saturday, when the Los Angeles Daily News reported that Angels general manager Tony Reagins had been involved in talks with the Sox about the slugging first baseman."

"A source has indicated the Angels and Chicago White Sox are discussing a second trade of the offseason, with this one sending Paul Konerko to the Angels, while Howie Kendrick and Ervin Santana are possible candidates to head to Chicago."

"GM Tony Reagins said repeatedly at the winter meetings that he wasn't pursuing starting pitching, and that doesn't appear to have changed. Moreno also made it clear that he has already reached his budget for 2008--the Angels payroll is projected at about $125 million--and while he's willing to exceed it, I don't think he wants to obliterate it... Sure, the Angels could go after Wright, the Mets' outstanding third baseman, but the Mets have shown no desire to trade him."

"As for your contract concerns, Shields signed a three-year, $14.6-million extension last spring -- he isn't going anywhere -- and the Angels hope to secure Guerrero and Rodriguez to long-term deals as early as this winter. Guerrero's extension shouldn't be a problem; it probably will be tougher to meet Rodriguez's demands."

"The Twins continued exploring potential trade options for Johan Santana on Monday, picking up where they left off at last week's winter meetings. While no deal appeared imminent, there were indications that in their talks with the Red Sox, the Twins were focused on a package headlined by center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury."

"So much for Plan A. Next target on Reagins' wish list is believed to be Baltimore Orioles infielder Miguel Tejada, whom the Angels have pursued in the past."

"In other Orioles news, there was not much movement on the Miguel Tejada front, but that could change now that third baseman Miguel Cabrera is off the market. The Florida Marlins traded Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Detroit Tigers. Tejada has been considered a fallback plan for the Los Angeles Angels if they didn't land Cabrera. As of late yesterday afternoon, the Angels and Orioles had not had any discussions at the meetings."

"Concerns about Miguel Cabrera's work ethic and weight have raised questions about whether the Angels should send four top young players, including second baseman Howie Kendrick and catcher Jeff Mathis, to Florida in a deal for the third baseman. But Cabrera, one of the hottest commodities on the trading floor of baseball's winter meetings, is making a significant effort to address those issues, having recently begun a rigorous winter workout and nutritional program in Davie, Fla."

"The Angels and Dodgers are the frontrunners to acquire Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera. But neither had a representative at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel for this week's Winter Meetings until mid-afternoon Monday when the Angels contingent could be seen checking in at the front desk."

"One way for teams in the Miguel Cabrera hunt to rationalize not meeting the Marlins' asking price is by pointing to the 'bad body.' Cabrera ballooned above 250 pounds, perhaps giving teams such as the Angels and Dodgers pause as to whether he's worth not only the prospects, but the money it'll take to keep him long term."

"The Angels have made two moves – signing free agent center fielder Torii Hunter and trading shortstop Orlando Cabrera to the White Sox for right-hander Jon Garland – that seem to be preludes to a third. If the season began today, would the Angels be better? That’s not what worries the rest of the AL West. What does is what the Angels are trying to do now – trade for Florida’s Miguel Cabrera or, should that fail, Baltimore’s Miguel Tejada."

"The Angels have been in serious trade talks with Florida for slugger Miguel Cabrera. Owner Arte Moreno twice thought he had deals for Cabrera in November, only to have the trades fall apart because the Marlins increased their demands at the last minute. They've also exchanged proposals with Baltimore for slugger Miguel Tejada, and they've expressed interest in Minnesota ace Johan Santana and Orioles ace Erik Bedard."

"The Angels have acknowledged their interest in Cabrera, 24. Owner Arte Moreno said the Angels twice thought they had worked out a deal to land Cabrera only to have the Marlins come back and ask for more to make it happen."

"The Marlins will resume conversations with the Angels this week and the Dodgers can still land Cabrera if they give up Loney, Kemp and pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who some consider the game's best left-handed prospect. The deal that would probably get it done with the Angels: second baseman Howie Kendrick, catcher Jeff Mathis and two of the following three pitchers: Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders and Nick Adenhart."

"But Andy MacPhail, Orioles president of baseball operations, arrived in Nashville, Tenn., yesterday, carrying with him two quality trade chips -- Tejada and ace left-hander Erik Bedard -- and a desire to fix the team's flawed and underachieving roster."

" Of course, it figures that the Florida Marlins, holders of the biggest trade prize as far as hitters, Miguel Cabrera -- covet both Kendrick and Mathis and want one or both of them included in a deal that could also involve at least one of the team's young pitchers. However, the difference this time around is that the Angels are more willing to include either in a deal for the 24-year-old third baseman who hit .320 with 34 homers and 119 RBI last season."

"Reagins is likely this week to re-establish discussions with the Florida Marlins about bringing slugging third baseman Miguel Cabrera to Angel Stadium... The Angels also have shown interest in Baltimore Orioles veteran Miguel Tejada, whom they nearly acquired in 2006 for Erick Aybar and Ervin Santana."

"Cabrera's future was the hot topic coming out of last month's general managers' meetings, but negotiations between the Marlins and their biggest potential trading partners broke down almost a week ago. The Marlins have maintained contact with five teams most interested in Cabrera - the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox and another team. "

"The Cubs would be tempted if they could find an impact player available in a trade this week who meets their need for power or speed. Possibilities would be Tampa Bay's Carl Crawford or Anaheim's Chone Figgins, who could become available if the Angels acquire Miguel Cabrera from Florida."

"The source said the Twins have made their demands clear to the Red Sox, Yankees and other clubs interested in Santana and they will not compromise. They are willing to risk trying to deal Santana in July, when the return could be less, or even risk watching him walk away as a free agent after the season, with only draft picks as compensation."

"Minaya has a chance to repeat history if he decides Colon is worth bringing to the Mets. The former Cy Young Award winner reportedly is not going to be offered salary arbitration by the Angels, which would make him a free agent."

"One day after creating ripples with his first trade as a general manager, Bill Smith moved forward with his roster restructuring plans for the Twins. And that could lead to the big splash -- a trade of ace Johan Santana. Several teams -- including the Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Angels and Dodgers -- have expressed interest. And it was learned on Thursday that the Mariners are in the running, too."

"Contract extension talks between the Orioles and Erik Bedard stalled yesterday, increasing the likelihood that team officials will spend part of next week's winter meetings contemplating trade offers for the ace left-hander... The New York Yankees, New York Mets, Seattle Mariners, Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers all have inquired about Bedard, who would be one of the most coveted pitchers available in a market that also includes two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana."

"Since Towers has also shown interest in Rowand and is a potential trading partner for the overstocked Angels (Gary Matthews Jr.? Reggie Willits?), his options should still exceed his openings."

"The Angels also continue to pursue power-hitting third baseman Miguel Cabrera, but trade talks with Florida appear to have hit a snag over the combination of players the Marlins are seeking for the 24-year-old slugger. The Angels, according to baseball sources, are willing to part with just about any player who has been mentioned in trade rumors -- second baseman Howie Kendrick, catcher Jeff Mathis, pitchers Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders or Nick Adenhart, outfielder Reggie Willits and perhaps top infield prospect Brandon Wood."

"Dream trade: Twins get 2B Robinson Cano and RHP Joba Chamberlain."

"If the Marlins don't budge from their four-player demand for Miguel Cabrera, here's one potential return from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: second baseman Howie Kendrick, catcher Jeff Mathis, outfielder Reggie Willits and a pitcher, anyone from Ervin Santana to Joe Saunders to Nick Adenhart."

"Yes, the Angels still covet Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera, even if costs three or four players from a list that reportedly includes second baseman Howie Kendrick, starting pitchers Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana, catcher Jeff Mathis, outfielder Reggie Willits, and third base prospect Brandon Wood. And Orioles slugging infielder Miguel Tejada remains Plan B for the Angels, even though there are whispers his name came up in the Mitchell investigation. But, hey, free-agent center fielder Aaron Rowand also is still available."

"Putting Cabrera on the market has put the Orioles' plan to deal Miguel Tejada on ice because the big-market teams with the wherewithal to acquire Tejada are going to make their best play for Cabrera first... Though Hunter fits that description, the Angels still are believed to be pursuing Miguel Cabrera and, failing that, might fall back to Tejada"

"Santana approved the team's trade attempts, knowing he will have the final say because of his complete no-trade clause. In coming days, the Twins are expected to receive proposals from the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Dodgers and possibly other teams, as the industry weighs the heavy price of landing the two-time Cy Young Award winner."

"Not only did the Angels snag the most coveted free agent on the market when they agreed to terms with center fielder Torii Hunter on a five-year, $90-million contract late Wednesday, they put themselves in even better position to land a bigger fish -- Florida Marlins slugger Miguel Cabrera -- or a player who could further bolster the offense -- Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada."

"When the Los Angeles Angels agreed to sign free agent center fielder Torii Hunter to a five-year deal worth $90 million late Wednesday, it might have set the stage for another major acquisition: Miguel Cabrera."

"The Angels hope to provide an answer soon, as they look to parlay a pitching surplus into a power bat -- they're targeting Florida Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera and, to a lesser degree, Baltimore Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada -- they have craved for years."

"In a move that only seems to make sense as a precursor to another acquisition, the Angels sent shortstop Orlando Cabrera and $1.5 million to the Chicago White Sox for right-handed pitcher Jon Garland... With free-agent third basemen Alex Rodriguez and Mike Lowell having re-signed with their former teams, the Angels’ top targets could be Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera or Orioles shortstop Miguel Tejada, who could move to third base."

" In a trade that might serve as a precursor to an even bigger one, the Angels traded Gold Glove shortstop Orlando Cabrera and cash considerations to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for starting pitcher Jon Garland. The Angels added to a staff that already includes John Lackey, Kelvim Escobar, Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana, giving them the means to possibly trade for a power hitter such as Florida third baseman Miguel Cabrera or Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada. "

"But the addition of Garland, a 28-year-old who went 10-13 with a 4.23 earned run average last season, gives the Angels a rotation surplus that will enable them to deal a young pitcher such as Santana, Weaver or Saunders for a slugger such as Florida third baseman Miguel Cabrera or Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada."

" A-Rod? October? Never mind. But here's where the other shoe drops. With Rodriguez off the market, the No. 1 target becomes Florida third baseman Miguel Cabrera, the display window bauble of the Marlins' latest fire sale. "

"The Giants would be more than happy to land Cabrera, a career .313 hitter who has 138 home runs at age 24. Many teams are pursuing Cabrera, and it widely is believed that the Dodgers or Angels might have a better shot to land him because they have more prospects to trade.For the Giants to get him, they almost certainly would have to part with a top young pitcher, perhaps Tim Lincecum."

"The Red Sox do have interest in Cabrera, but there's more of a chance that the Angels or Dodgers will land him simply because they may have more young players they'd be willing to part with in a deal with Florida."