While normally you don't trade a position player for a pitcher, the Angels did and can still come out on top.It is apparent that the Angels weren't going to take another chance on Bartolo Colon who suffered through injuries during his tenure in Los Angeles.
Although they had to relinquish their number two hitter and gold glove award winner, Orlando Cabrera to aquire starter Jon Garland, the Angels now may have the best five man rotation in the majors.
John Lackey is the ace of the staff, followed by Kelvim Escobar. Garland takes over in the number three position moving Jered Weaver to take over at number four. Southpaw Joe Saunders will likely take the fifth and final spot of the rotation making the young Ervin Santana the odd man out unless he makes a big impression during spring training winning back a spot in the rotation or may be moved to the bullpen if he is not traded away.
The Angels are a team that is was already desperate for a man to protect Vladimir Guerrero and now are missing a number two man as well.
However, the Angels have been one of the top bidders for coveted third baseman, who can also play first base and some outfield; 24 year old Miguel Cabrera.
The Marlins may demand as much as a replacement third baseman, a pitching prospect, center fielder and possibly another player in the exchange.
The Angeles have plenty of chips to still aquire Cabrera. The Angels have speedy utility player Chone Figgins, pitcher Ervin Santana, Reggie Willits and Nathan Haynes who can play all three outfielders positions, infielders Maicer Izturis, Dallas McPherson, Erick Aybar, Kendry Morales, and Robb Quinlan - and these are all just some players on their 40 man roster that they can use to bargain with.
The only thing they may have to be wary of is giving away too much talent - as they are competing with several other teams for Cabrera's services and third base possibilities are dwindiling off the market with the agreements between A-Rod and the Yankees and Lowell with the Red Sox.
However, if anyone has the resources for a major trade and may need it more than anyone as well, it would be the Angels.
Their next best option may be to sign former Giants third baseman, Pedro Feliz. Feliz, depending on exactly what Mike Scioscia's team turns out to be come opening day, Feliz can fill the number two hole Orlando Cabrera left behind or can back up Guerrero. Feliz however, despite having an above average year last season knocking 20 pitches over the fence and driving in 72 with a .253 batting average is still not the power bat that you would like behind your best hitter.
Likely, at least on more move would be needed to fill that goal.
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