It's no secret the Los Angeles Angels are underperforming. Their 15-17 record has them five games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the AL West and their offense ranks 25th in the MLB with only 118 runs scored in 32 games (3.69 per game).
This has prompted general manager Jerry Dipoto to consider upgrading the roster in some capacity. He already traded away outfielder Josh Hamilton following the offseason relapse controversy. That's a big loss for the outfield because was a left-handed power hitter (even though he had a poor stint with the Angels).
"The lineup was designed to have Josh Hamilton and [outfielder Matt] Joyce hitting from the left side, and now Hamilton is gone and Joyce has been ineffective. Kole Calhoun is their only productive left-handed hitter," writes Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register.
Prior to the season Dipoto acquired Joyce, who many saw as a good addition, especially when Hamilton was lost to shoulder surger. However, he's batting just .140/.182/.215 with three runs scored, one home run and seven RBIs in 28 games (99 plate appearances). There's a clear need for a solid lefty bat in the Angels' lineup and Dipoto is doing his due diligence.
"We've always been open to supplementing the team and finding ways to get better as we go," he told Fletcher. "But it's still very early in the season to determine who is available and to define who you are able to access and which of those needs will be a need in one day, 30 days or 60 days."
Los Angeles also ranks 29th in OPS (.637), 29th in average (.228), 28th in extra-base hits (68) and 21st in strikeouts (226). The problems are obvious, top-to-bottom, and Dipoto thinks the team went cold at the same time. While that scenario might be possible since the team ranked first in runs scored last season, it's still essential Dipoto has himself a backup plan just in case they struggle to score runs over the next couple of months.
Since he's keeping his options open, here are two players he can consider:
Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Colorado Rockies
We touched on this possibility last week because the Angels traded Hamilton shortly thereafter and the Colorado Rockies were losing (and still are). Gonzalez is owed over $50 million through 2017 and the Rockies likely won't want to pay that if they aren't contending, no matter how he's performing.
He's having a poor season (.196/.257/.315 with 10 runs scored, two home runs and six RBIs in 27 games), but he's also coming off two injury-shortened campaigns where he's only played in 180 total games. He's likely trying to get back in a groove, but the struggling Rockies don't appear to be the best catalyst for him. A trade to Los Angeles would make sense, especially if he picks up the production a bit and the Angels remain somewhat in the playoff discussion.
Alex Gordon, OF, Kansas City Royals
This is an interesting one. There is no link between the two clubs and Gordon has not been mentioned in trade rumors, but one must keep in mind the veteran may not be with the Royals after this season. After back-to-back All-Star campaigns in 2013 and 2014, he's probably seeking a lucrative long-term deal.
"The Royals plan to try to do what they can to keep Alex Gordon long-term. While he has a $13.25 million player option he technically could exercise, he's an elite player and no one can see him simply picking that up without an extension," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Gordon has not indicated whether or not he'd pick up that option, which may have the Royals consider a trade if he's not clear with what his plans are as the season progresses because they probably won't be able to afford him. They'd be guaranteed a draft pick if he opts to explore free agency, but because Gordon has become an elite outfielder, they'll probably want to get more in return for him.
However, the Royals are playing excellent baseball right now and look even better than they did last year, so general manager Dayton Moore might just watch how everything plays out in hopes the club goes on another deep postseason run.
Whatever the case, these are two trade candidates that would likely help the Angels on the offensive and defensive side of the ball (assuming Gonzalez snaps out of his current funk). It's hard to believe Dipoto isn't monitoring both of them as well as others at this point.
