Trade Idea: Wandy Rodriguez to Angels

The Angels have added most to their team this offseason, but they still have a question at the end of the rotation, Jerome Williams. They are ready to make a big push and contend for the next decade, with a rotation that rivals that of the Phillies. They could consolidate their rotation to having the number five spot filled with a good lefty, Rodriguez.

The Astros are coming off a season in which they won less than 60 games! They really need to restock their impoverished farm system, and they have no need for a number 3 lefty starter when they have no chance of contending. They should restock while they still have value in Rodriguez.

I think Rodriguez would be a good addition to solidify the last spot of the rotation. The Angels have the ability to pick up most if not all of Rodriguez's contract, so they might not have to give up as many good prospects than if they Astros picked up a good chunk. His 2014 option goes from being a team option to a player option if he is traded, so the Angels would have to hope that he remains productive to be able to actually use $13 million of their money.

Here is my trade proposal....

Wandy Rodriguez and $7 Million to the Angels for Daniel Tillman, Alexi Amarista, Donn Roach

I think this is a fair trade, and for 3 of the top 20 prospects in the Angels system, this might be even, because none of them have an eta of beyond 2014, so they will be producing for the Astros soon. Rodriguez is getting towards the latter years of his career, and he might want to play for a contender that has a legitimate chance for the next 7 seasons to go to and win the World Series. 

Ryan Braun wins Drug Test Appeal

Ryan Braun has won his appeal to to league for his failed drug test, which posted record numbers for the amount of testosterone he had when he took the test. This will allow him to play the entire season through, and will not miss any games. This has given the Brewers more power for the season and they will be in contention all year, not missing their best bat. I think this is a great win for Braun, and it shows the instability of some of the tests that the league does. I personally think that this was a faulty test, and he was just a victim of an executive with the MLB not keeping his mouth shut about something that was not set in stone. Good for Braun, although I don't think a haze will ever be lifted from his career involving this incident. Good luck on the season Ryan!

Roy Oswalt makes Season Decision

Roy Oswalt has decided to remain unsigned until midseason next year and hope to sign for a contender. He has been increasingly difficult and trying to sign with a team throughout this offseason, turning down a multi-year offer from the Pirates and not listening to some teams offers. He has chosen the way he wants to go, and miss some paydays until midseason when he can hopefully find a roster spot with a contending team.

He had very good splits when coming back from injury in late August and September, and could have probably found a contract with nearly any team if he didn't keep his asking price so high. He is missing out on a potential payday, but I don't think he cares as much for the money as he cares that he might get the chance to go to the World Series. I don't think this is a good decision, but it's what he wants to do, and maybe he might be able to land a contract with contending team as a starter midseason and carry the weight, from what I am guessing will be from an injured pitcher. I don't think it will be good unless he is pitching in an independent league, because he might have to undergo a small stint in the minor leagues before he is ready to face major league batters again. I predict that he may be with the Red Sox by the trade deadline due to the recent need for pitching from Boston.

Trade Idea: 3 Team Blockbuster

Building on my idea of the AJ Pierzynski trade yesterday, I was thinking of a trade that might be good for the deadline this year IF the White Sox are out of contention, the Pirates are fighting for the title, and the Red Sox are tight in on the race. Some of the players I mention are mostly involved if they rebound well enough this year to add some value.

The Red Sox always need pitching at the deadline, and the Pirates might need to fill a few holes to make a push. The White Sox will be needing to add some depth to their farm system and maybe just shed some salary if they are not drawing enough to pay their players. The Pirates would mostly be going for depth while the Red Sox are looking for pieces to make the push.

Here is my proposal...

Red Sox get Gavin Floyd, Adam Dunn(If he rebounds), cash($6 Million), Clint Barmes, Casey McGhee

Pirates get  AJ Pierzynski, Alfredo Aceves, Jesse Crain, Kevin Youkilis, cash($3 Million)

White Sox get Jose Iglesias(Red Sox), Pedro Alvarez(Pirates), Daniel McCutchen, Sean Coyle(Red Sox), Tony Sanchez(Pirates), Bryan Morris(Pirates)

I think that this is a fair trade considering that this would occur at the deadline and the Pirates might be at the first opportunity to go for a division title in a long time, and the Red Sox will want to ensure that they get a playoff spot after the horrible collapse last year. The White Sox get some goods prospects, although most of them are the age to go to the major league roster instead of spending more time in the minors. The White Sox get unburdened from some big salaries, and have some good young players to take roster spots.