Angels become active in the trade market.

Yesterday I started to write about whom I thought would be moved and what trades I could guess would be coming our way.  I wasn't really expecting to hear the Angels wanted Alberto Callaspo, let alone made the trade for him.  Now truth be told, 3rd base was probably our biggest liability in the infield.  The Brandon Wood Experiment didn't exactly pan out.  Kevin Frandsen had looked really good at third, but has slowed down as of late.  And then the often injured Maicer Izturis, who is off the DL this week it just too much of a health risk to expect everyday production from.  Alberto Callaspo expected to debut for Halos tonight, was traded to the Angels for SOS, Sean O'Sullivan and Will Smith, not the Fresh Prince.  Smith is a minor leaguer who didn't look to contribute to the teams success this season, however SOS just pitched a gem of a game in New York earlier this week and looked to be starting in lieu of the injured Scott Kazmir.  

Callaspo certainly won't single handily win the World Series for the Angels, but he does bring some stability at third.  He hit 73 RBI and 11 Home Runs last year.  And has already hit 8 HR thus far.  Callaspo is no stranger to the Angels as he was originally drafted by the team.  
 

The true question is which piece falls next.  With Napoli's hot bat, I doubt 1st base is an area Tony Reagins is focusing on.  And with the way the Halo Bullpen has looked this season, maybe that will be the next area the might Reagins will improve on.  Needles to say, the trade deadline is rapidly approaching.  Will this be the year that Reagins doesn't make a big name trade or has Reagins mastered the persona of a Ninja just waiting to make his next move surprising the most hardcore Angels Fan.  

Go Halos

It seems the grass isn't the only thing getting trimmed down in Tempe Arizona.

It seems the grass isn't the only thing getting trimmed down in Tempe Arizona and I for one couldn't be happier.  Obviously there is always a learning curve in baseball and during Spring Training that curve is extended at times to include fringe players who may or may not make it to the team.  Unfortunately some of the players over the years you start to grow fond of.  It was no surprise that on Monday guys like Brad Con or Efren Navarro would be re-assigned to the minor league roster.  And you had to know top prospect Trevor Reckling would be securing a spot in either Salt Lake City or at the very least with the Travelers, the Angels AA club.  But you hear about guys like Trevor Bell and Will Smith who down the road look to at the very least join the ball club in Relief pitching roles.

Today the Angels sent another seven packing and honestly, it was time.  The team's 3-9 record is the Worst in the Cactus League and second worse in all of Spring Training.  I guess that's why they don't have a championship game for Spring Training.  Although these games have no meaning in the Wins and Loss column it is certainly away to see where certain players will be slotted in the upcoming year.  With that said, familiar faces to the Angels bullpen, Bobby Mosebach, the Other Francisco Rodriguez, and Rich Thompson are all heading back to Minor League Roles.  The Catcher of the Future Hank Conger is also heading back to the Minors, most likely Salt Lake City.  As we say good-bye to these fringe players, let us remember that the season is less than 20 days away and the Halo faithful are looking forward to another American League Western Division Championship.

Go Halos!