The Los Angeles Angels, looking to bolster their rotation for the last five weeks of the season and in October, acquired left-hander Scott Kazmir of the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday.
"This is a surprise. I had heard rumors before, but it's hard to believe that it is now official," Kazmir said after Tampa Bay's 6-2 loss to Detroit. "It's a disappointment because of all the relationships I've built in the organization and the city, but you can't control the business side of the game."
The Angels and Rays had extensive conversations before the trade deadline about Kazmir, who is 8-7 with a 5.92 ERA.
Tampa Bay receives two minor leaguers -- left-hander Alex Torres and infielder Matt Sweeney -- and a player to be named later in the deal.
"We're very excited about the player that we can't name yet, but also about the other two," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "The lefty has a great arm, and Sweeney is one of the best hitters in the minors."
I'm shocked that the Rays would ship off one of their front line starters, with them being so close to the Wild Card lead. I wouldn't think now is the time to experiment with prospects, but what do I know?
I like this move for the Angels, but starting pitching isn't exactly what they needed. Right now, their bullpen is abysmal, with Brian Fuentes and his 3.95 ERA (which was MUCH HIGHER throughout the season) leading the way. Their record is as good as it is because of the powerhouse offense. Of course, Angel hitting usually fizzles out around October, and if it does this year, it won't be a pretty sight. They could be on the wrong end of some lopsided October losses.
Still, Kazmir's a good pickup and the Angels can boast an October rotation of Lackey, Kazmir, Weaver, and Saunders. Not the best rotation, but they'll be able to do the job.
You wanted the best, you got... Out of Context Quote of the Week: FROM THE VAULTS.
"I just want the ability to crush a man's neck with my thighs." (JST)
Originally posted by It's FalseI like this move for the Angels, but starting pitching isn't exactly what they needed. Right now, their bullpen is abysmal, with Brian Fuentes and his 3.95 ERA (which was MUCH HIGHER throughout the season) leading the way. Their record is as good as it is because of the powerhouse offense. Of course, Angel hitting usually fizzles out around October, and if it does this year, it won't be a pretty sight. They could be on the wrong end of some lopsided October losses.
I forget where I saw it, but that's what they're doing: putting him in the bullpen, then starting him next year. Still won't get them out of another divisional-round loss to the Red Sox (unless they get the Yankees, in which case they'll curb-stomp them, THEN lose in the ALCS)...
Kazmir doesn't make a ton of sense for them since he rarely goes deep in games. There's a lot of upside, but I would think they would be looking for innings eaters to hide their bullpen.
Kazmir not pitching so well this season with $20mil due to him over the next 2 seasons means this is as good time to make the move as you're going to get. It's a bad deal for the Rays fans if neither prospect turns out and if that money saved isn't reinvested somewhere else, but the last few years of the As have taught us that one or two bad contracts can make it really tough for a low budget team and waiting for them to turnaround can be just digging yourself a bigger hole.
ESPN.com - MLB - Griffey, Giambi named comeback players of '05 I love that Griffey got the honors, because a lot of people had him completely written off.