Gary Matthews Jr. is currently a $10 mil a year 4/5 OF. The Angels starting rotation is in shambles after recent injuries and the tragic death of Nick Adenhart. Trading Matthews might seem next to impossible given his age, productivity and bad contract but there are a couple possibilities that could benefit both teams:
1. Los Angeles Angels send Gary Matthews Jr. to the New York Yankees for Kei Igawa.
2. Los Angeles Angels send Gary Matthews Jr. and cash ($5 mil/yr) to the Chicago White Sox for Clayton Richard.
Sending Matthews to the Yanks for Igawa is a swap of bad contracts and gives both teams more depth at positions they are weak at. Igawa, while not a solid MLB starter, can be plugged into the Angels rotation immediately and provide some decent innings while they wait for Lackey, Santana and Escobar to recover. The Angels don't need Matthews as a backup OF since they have Juan Rivera and Reggie Willets who are both capable in that role. Matthews, as a switch hitter, could be platooned in CF with Brett Anderson and provide some power at a weak position for NY. It also gives them the flexibility to possibly deal Melky Cabrera, who is reportedly on the outs in the Bronx.
The second move is a little bit trickier since LA has to eat a good chunk of Matthews contract. However, while Richard is unproven and not a top prospect, he could potentially provide some innings at the back end of the Angels rotation until other starters get healthy and then be used as a long reliever. He has the potential to be a 4/5 starter down the road. The move would also give LA some salary relief. Chicago has a huge hole in CF. Ozzie and Ken Williams have been trying to get younger and faster. Matthews, while aging at 34, still has decent wheels and would provide much more pop than Dewayne Wise or Brett Anderson in CF. Matthews isn't a huge HR threat, but playing in Comiskey Park can only help his power totals.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment