Los Angeles Angels Not Likely to Land A Starter

According to Alden Gonzalez of MLB.com, the Angels chances of landing another starting pitcher are below

average.  They have been in talks with the Rays for both James Shields and Wade Davis.  However, Gonzalez says:

"A source with knowledge of the team’s thinking described the Angels’ chances of acquiring a starter as “below average and diminishing” on Thursday. The asking prices are too high, the competition for pitching is too intense – largely due to the additional Wild Card that has more teams in the hunt than ever – and the Angels don’t have an abundance of intriguing prospects to offer up."

But they do have Peter Bourjos.  Many teams are interested in the young center fielder.  While he is struggling this season, most GM’s can look past that and understand his talent lies in development and defense.  If the Angels are to make a deal for a starting pitcher, they will almost certainly need to include Bourjos in the deal. Jerry Dipoto has said he is unwilling to move Bourjos though.

Wade Davis or Jame Shields are the most likely options on the market for the Angels, and truthfully, Davis may be easier for the Angels to get.  Shields is being looked at by numerous teams, and as each trade is made that lands a starting pitcher with a new team, the market for starters shrinks.  The competition for a trade including Shields may price him out of the Angels’ range.  Davis, on the other hand, does not seem to be drawing as much interest.

No matter the case, Dipoto has to at least try to make a deal.  The Angels’ team ERA is running about middle of the pack in the Majors this year.  They could certainly use some help especially if Dan Haren isn’t 100% for the rest of the season.  While a move for a starter becomes increasingly unlikely with each day that passes, the Angels need to push hard in this department.

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