Kendry Morales anyone?

[A_K]

Maybe just maybe they didn't want Saunders.

Which would be reasonable, given that Saunders isn't very good. What this doesn't clarify, however, is why they'd want Vargas, who is objectively even worse.

[A_K]

I posted this previously in the string about Morales.



I'm wondering how much of this went into LA's thinking.

I can imagine that they'd have a tough time finding a market for Wells, who is basically a replacement-level player but who gets paid $21 million per year. That's... not particularly appealing.

But damn, why not just accept it as a sunk cost and put him on the bench while you let the better player take the at bats?

Wanting to add MLB-ready bullpen pieces is all well and good, but there are easier ways to do it. The nature of relievers is that you should never trade good, young sluggers for them (even if your good young slugger is a Boras client approaching free agency).

I should point out that I mention Saunders only as an example. There are plenty of Vargas-level pitchers out there if that's what you want, but it's hard to justify giving up a Morales-level hitter to get one, regardless of the circumstances.

[ofahn]

There are plenty of Vargas-level pitchers out there

I can't remember an off season that had more of them as FAs.

[osforlife]

I'am suprised Morales was traded. If they had the intent of putting Bourjos in their future outfield so bad:
1.) Wait one year before you give Bourjos a full-time starting job
2.) Keep Morales
3.) Sign a back-of-the-rotation starter
Instead they:
1.) Gave up a legit hitter who could return to elite form once again now that he has some at-bats under his belt
2.) Got a back-of-the-rotation starter

[Matt P]

It should be an attractive proposition for them. They have a thin farm system and they need to have a back up plan for their bullpen. It may come down to whether they think they need relievers to START the season or relievers that will be ML ready by mid season. IMO the best package for both teams would be Ayala and a prospect, but I'm not sure DD will let him go.

Like I said, they are in win now mode.

[ofahn]

Like I said, they are in win now mode.

Valid point; however, I fail to see how Vargas contributes to that.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

Valid point; however, I fail to see how Vargas contributes to that.

My thinking:

Vargas is a fly ball pitcher and the Angels have what is probably the best defensive outfield in the league. He's a good bet to put up 200 innings and should perform better with the improved defense behind him.

[ofahn]

Vargas is a fly ball pitcher and the Angels have what is probably the best defensive outfield in the league. He's a good bet to put up 200 innings and should perform better with the improved defense behind him.

DiPoto's sure hoping you're right.

[A_K]

I hate to sound like a broken record, but I have to say once again: if what you desire is a league-average fly ball pitcher who will be made better by a spacious home park and a fantastic defensive outfield, there are better ways to acquire one than by giving up a good, young hitter who would unquestionably be your team's best DH option.

It's not that Vargas is useless. If you're in "win now" mode, you should keep Morales and go get a Vargas-level player without giving up anything.

[Matt P]

Valid point; however, I fail to see how Vargas contributes to that.

They wanted an innings eater and they think he can be just that.

[ofahn]

They wanted an innings eater and they think he can be just that.

I agree with A_K. They could have done SO much better than Vargas considering they're going to spend over 7M on his salary this year.

[Matt P]

I agree with A_K. They could have done SO much better than Vargas considering they're going to spend over 7M on his salary this year.

Probably, but they obviously like him. People thought DD was crazy for trading Guthrie for Hammel and Lindstrom last year.

[osforlife]

I honestly still don't see why the Angels traded Kendry Morales, especially after they just traded Vernon Wells. It would have been much smarter to keep Morales for one more year, and then plug in Bourjos in your outfield after he is gone.

[ofahn]

Nothing about that trade ever made any sense to me.

I expect Vargas to have issues now that he doesn't have Seattle's home park to protect his pitching style. The Angels could have done SO much better than him on the stocked open market this winter. The Mariners essentially traded Vargas for Kendry Morales AND Joe Saunders. Quality move.