Hello CC Sabathia? Goodbye Jered Weaver?

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November 30, 2:14 PM

by Des Martini, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Examiner

 

How do I know this as fact? Well, I don’t, but like everyone else on the Web, I am engaging in wild speculation. ‘Tis the season. But, in my defense, trading Weaver makes perfect sense.

A Sabathia signing will cost the Angels at least $130 million, which makes it extremely unlikely they would shell out another $130 million-plus for Mark Teixeira. Without Teixeira in the lineup, fans can look forward to light-hitting Maicer Izturis (.691 OPS) returning to the three-hole if the Halos fail to add a bat.

After witnessing the impact Teixeira had on the lineup, especially on Vladimir Guerrero, it’s impossible to fathom the Angels would not acquire a boost for the offense via free agency or trade.

Arte Moreno speaks glowingly of Manny Ramirez, but Scott Boras’ outrageous demands might torpedo any chance of Manny wearing Angel red. There are other cheaper alternatives on the free agent market, including Milton Bradley, Raul Ibanez, Bobby Abreu, Adam Dunn, Jason Giambi, Pat Burrell and Ken Griffey Jr. None would equal the all-around talents of Teixeira, but each player listed would represent an upgrade over Garret Anderson, as all of them had a higher OPS than Anderson in 2008. And come January, some of these sluggers will be available at Walmart prices.

The problem with acquiring a slugger through free agency is that most are on the other side of 30 and have already hit the zenith of their careers. This is where Weaver comes into play. If the Angels want to acquire a younger player who hasn’t peaked, they would be wise to dangle the 26-year-old righty to see what the market would bear. The guess here is that the market would bear quite a lot for a talented young pitcher who is not eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season.

There are only so many pitchers the caliber of Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe available, and there are only a few teams that can afford those pitchers. Imagine the desperation level for teams like the Yankees and Mets if they swing and miss in their attempts to ink the best free agent starters. Untouchable young hitters might suddenly become available to fill pitching needs.

Here’s a look at some possible trading partners:

Dodgers
The Dodgers represent the best trading partner, as long as Tony Reagins isn’t averse to trading with his rival to the north.

They will be desperate for reliable starting pitching after Lowe and Brad Penny leave La-La Land for greener financial pastures elsewhere, and after Greg Maddux announces his retirement. To compound their problems, Chad Billingsley recently suffered a broken left fibula after slipping on ice at his Reading, Pa., home, though he’s expected to heal before opening day. If Billingsley isn’t ready, Joe Torre will go to battle with a mostly untested rotation of Clayton Kershaw, James McDonald, Hiroki Kuroda, and the sore-armed Jason Schmidt.

Already saddled with bloated contracts for underachievers Andruw Jones, Juan Pierre and Schmidt, the Dodgers don’t appear to be in a spending mood--even for a monster talent like Sabathia.

Andre Ethier and his sweet left-handed swing should be the Angels’ main target. Ethier, 26, has shown steady improvement with his power numbers, posting 38 doubles, 20 home runs, and an .885 OPS in 2008. Matt Kemp (.799 OPS) is another attractive option. An outfield of Torii Hunter, Guerrero and Ethier or Kemp would arguably be the best in baseball.

Rockies
It’s too late for Matt Holliday, but third baseman Garrett Atkins would add some much needed power. The Angels could then move Chone Figgins to second and trade the fragile Howie Kendrick for help elsewhere. Atkins can also play first base.

The major concern with Atkins, however, is his drop in production away form Coors Field. Checks out his 2008 splits:

Home: 21 doubles, 9 home runs, .342 BA, .380 OBP, .523 SLG, .904 OPS
Away: 11 doubles, 12 homeruns, .233 BA, .278 OBP, .383 SLG, .661 OPS

Cardinals
St. Louis is desperate for starting pitching and might be willing to part with one of its slugging outfielders such as Ryan Ludwick (.966 OPS) or Rick Ankiel (.843 OPS).

Yankees
This isn’t a perfect match because the Yankees aren’t in position to part with any power bats after waving goodbye to Giambi and Abreu. However, New York could work as part of a three-team trade if it parts with Robinson Cano to the Rockies or Dodgers with the Angels receiving Atkins or Ethier in return.

Brewers
Sabathia and Ben Sheets are going to bolt Beer Town, leaving Milwaukee frantic for replacements. Prince Fielder might seem like a stretch, but the Brewers do have a well-stocked trove of prospects (shortstop Alcides Escobar comes to mind) if the Angels choose to reload their own minor league system.

In addition, the Tigers, Mets, Braves, Orioles, Astros and Rangers are needy teams in search of starting pitching.

Regardless, the Angels should have no problem finding sincere interest in Weaver’s services. They would be wise to move quickly before teams become nervous about Weaver’s durability issues. After all, here’s a guy who has yet to throw 200 innings in a season and even injured himself sitting on the bench in Detroit last season. And with a starting rotation of Sabathia, John Lackey, Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders, there’s no need for Weaver come playoff time. The Halos can get along with Kevin Jespen or Jason Bulger as their fifth starter, or acquire a serviceable veteran fill the hole.
 

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