1- The Angels are trying to show Lackey that they have reasonable alternatives in hopes that he'll sign with them at a reasonable price or at reasonable terms (years); or
2- They consider the Mets and others to be willing to overpay for Lackey's services, and for that reason - and perhaps because of questions about his health - have really decided to go another route.
I've posted on here before that both LA teams are a fit for Doc, but I have no idea whether he wants to go to the West Coast. What makes the Angels more attractive to Doc is that he already knows and has scouted all AL players, and therefore would be more comfortable facing them. He also wouldn't need to become a hitter, which I'm guessing is a big plus for someone his age.
So, let's say for one second that the LAA outbid all other clubs for the services of Doc. What would it take to do so? Do the Angels really have the prospects it would take to trade for Doc?
I visited the "Angels Win Blog" and others (BA, Baseball Prospectus, Baseball Intellect) in order to get a sense of what they have to offer. I have to admit that I'm not overly impressed, but do think that if the main ingredient in a deal is Brandon Wood, a deal can be done. Some of the key prospects that could be involved include the following:
SP Jordan Walden RHP (AA) - will be 23 this season, 6'5" 220 lbs, can reach 94-96 MPH, needs refinement of secondary pitches
OF Peter Bourjos (AA) - will be 23 this season, 6'1" 180 lbs, hit .280, 6 HR, 14 triples, 32 SBs in 2009. Covers a ton of ground, plays excellent D.
3B Luis Jimenez (AZL) - will be 22 this season, 6'1" 170 lbs, hit .331, 15 Hrs, 6 SB, and had 49 extra base hits in only 284 ABs. Plays excellent D, strong arm.
SP Trevor Reckling (AA) - will be 21 this season, 6'1" 195 lbs, 122 Ks in 154 IP, 2.68 ERA in 2009. Dominated AA at 20 years old, no small feat.
SP Will Smith LHP (HiA) - will be 21 this season, 6'5" 215 lbs, 95 Ks in 115 IP, 3.76 ERA in 2009. Has 3 above average pitches, and can add an average change up to keep hitters off balance.
1B Mark Trumbo (AA) - will be 24 this season, 6'4" 220 lbs, hit 15 Hr, 53 extra base hits, 88 RBI with a .291 average in 2009.
And, since the Angels did pick him after the 15th pick overall....
SP Tyler Skaggs LHP (drafted 40th overall in 2009) - wil be 19 this season, has highest ceiling of any LAA SP prospect, already measures 6'4" 190 lbs, should fill out as he gets older.
Other than these players, the ceilings and abilities of other prospects are quite foggy to say the least. I'm not sure that the Jays would be better off with Trumbo since they already have Dopirak who rates better as a 1B, so this already short list could get even shorter. I would imagine that the Jays could ask for 3 of these to be added to Brand Wood in order to get a deal done.....is that enough? If it includes Reckling and either Skaggs or Jimenez, I'd say yes. If not, the Jays will have to hope they get lucky.
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The LA Times is reporting that a deal would most likely include one of Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver or Ervin Santana. As an Angels fan, I'm not thrilled with that news. No dobut Halladay is great, but I can't see giving up one starter to gain another. I would prefer they trade prospects... BTW.. Reckling is a stud. If he goes, some die hard Angel fans will be in a uproar.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I'm hoping the Angels just resign John Lackey and if they do make a trade - I would prefer they go after the younger Josh Johnson who is only 25.
I agree with all your points James, and have been saying all along that the Jays would be fine with getting SP prospects now that Alex is at the helm, which is why many teams are now re-entering the race to get Doc. I think Reckling could be the key piece, or Tyler Skaggs if more pieces are added.
ReplyDeleteI'll say this to you James, if the Angels do get Doc the'll not only become the AL West favorites for the next 4 years (he'll most likely be extended) but they'll simultaneously be making their pen twice as strong. Doc goes deep into games and may have 2-3 lackluster starts per season. I know you can't expect that from Lackey, and can you really trust Josh Johnson to have as much success in the AL as he has in the NL? I'm not sure I can, although his youth and cost do make him more attractive - and more costly in terms of trade costs.