Washington Nationals: Suitors for Derek Norris Trade
By Jason Reed
Los Angeles Angels
Down the congested Southern California freeways lies the Dodgers cross town rivals, the Los Angeles Angels. Despite not even being in Los Angeles county, the Angels could be another LA team to land Norris’ services next season. Coming from the San Diego Padres, Wieters is already situated with the Southern California lifestyle, so a deal to either team would be logical. However, here in Anaheim, his role would be different.
Now Norris would go from platooning with the Dodgers to likely outright starting with the Angels. The Angels are pretty thin at the catcher position as Martin Maldonado and Carlos Perez both hold down the reigns. This current Norris would be that great of an upgrade from these guys, but anything better than last season would be. Even at his worst Norris provides that experience, and good arm behind the dish that the Angels currently lack.
The interesting dynamic in this deal would be what the Angels give up to acquire Norris. While it may be wise for them to twiddle their thumbs and potentially wait for his release, they could get a deal done. With no farm system in tact they will certainly need to trade a big league talent, maybe in the likes of Ricky Nolasco. Angel fans might cringe at the idea of trading away a pitcher in an already thin rotation, but Nolasco seems like the odd one out. The Angels rotation is full of young guys that have massive ceilings after they return from injury. The Angels would then be giving up a service they won’t need in a short amount of time for a considerable, veteran, presence behind the plate.