Anthony Grupposo-USA TODAY Sports
On July 30, the Los Angeles Angels traded everyday third baseman Alberto Callaspo to divisional rival Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor league journeyman Grant Green.
What little exposure Green had to the big leagues did not reflect well on him. He had been hitless in 15 at-bats with Oakland, and it seemed a far-fetched proposition that he might anytime soon be an everyday player for the Angels.
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Since the trade deadline, however, Green has hit .230 in 14 games for the Halos. Not exactly a stellar average, but he is far cheaper than the $4.1 million the Angels were shelling out to Callaspo.
Green also adds value through his ability to play multiple positions in the infield. In his eight years of bouncing around the minors, Green spent time at third base, shortstop and second base. This gives the Angels a great degree of flexibility heading into the offseason, as they can make more aggressive roster moves knowing that they have extra infield depth.
Speaking of roster moves, all Los Angeles fans are holding their collective breath waiting for GM Jerry Dipoto to make moves once trading season starts. While the Callaspo-Green trade showed some promise, it was not nearly sufficient. The Angels need pitching, and they need it before next season if they are to be taken seriously.
If Green can’t land them an arm, the Angels should roll the dice once again and see what the market is willing to offer them for second baseman Howie Kendrick or shortstop Erick Aybar. Losing either of these players would hurt, but the need for pitching outweighs the decent offensive output of these two. Besides, assuming Peter Bourjos can stay healthy (or at least healthier) next year, he will pick up most of the offense that the Angels would lose by trading either of the middle infielders.
Tony Baker is a Los Angeles Angels writer for Rant Sports. You can follow him on Twitter at @tonloc_baker and on Google.
