2012 MLB Trade Rumors: Angels, Rays Match up Well

In the latest edition of “Let’s Make up a Deal”, John Tomase of the Boston Herald declared a trade could, or at least should, be on the horizon involving the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Angels.  Tomase believes that the Rays and Angels match up well for a deal that would see one of Tampa’s young arms switch coasts in exchange for one of LA’s young first basemen.

It’s no secret that the Rays have the best collection of young arms in the game.  Unfortunately for Tampa it’s also no secret that their offense is in need of a boost this offseason.

Tampa could especially use some help at first base.  Last season, Casey Kotchman played well while manning the position in his first year with the Rays.  But, Kotchman’s a free agent and the Rays are lacking a young, long-term option at first.

Enter the Angels.

In case you hadn’t heard, LA signed Albert Pujols earlier last month.  He plays first base, and is expected to be there for the next 10 years or so.

The Angels already had one first baseman that played very well in 2011 and another that was seen as one of the game’s next top sluggers before a serious injury sidelined him.

Tomase says the Angels should take one of these first basemen, Mark Trumbo or Kendrys Morales, and ship them to the Rays for one of Tampa’s young arms.   The Rays have reportedly been shopping right-handers Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann for offense, and Tomase says the addition of either one of the young starters would give the Angels the “best rotation in the AL”.

For more on the Angels and Rays, be sure to check out Halo Hangout and Rays Colored Glasses.